Pierre Gaillard, "Operation Dragoon" Rouge, Côtes du Rhône, France, 2023

Overview of the Wine
Codename for the Allied invasion of Southern France, Operation Dragoon was launched August 15, 1944. During the next month, the French army liberated Toulon and Marseille while the American soldiers advanced National Route 7 with the help of the French Resistance to release the Rhône Valley. This four week campaign, combined with D-Day, was instrumental in the ending of the war. This blend of 70% Grenache, 30% Syrah is the homage to all those people who liberated the Rhone Valley, helping bring peace back to the world.

When he was 12 years old, he was caught plowing a nearby parcel with a horse.

He studied Viticulture and Enology in Beaune, and obtained a Graduate Diploma in Winemaking from Montpellier. Vineyard Manager for a highly-regarded estate in Côte-Rôtie. In 1987, he established his own business in the upper part of the medieval town of Malleval with vineyards in the northern part of the Rhone Valley, ranging from Côte-Rôtie down through Cornas in the South. His wines are generous and express clear and precise fruity aromas, with a profound color and refined tannins.

Pierre finds his inspiration all the while respecting the "raw material" – in other words: the grape harvest.

Winemaker
Pierre Gaillard

Grape / Blend
70% Grenache, 30% Syrah

Origin
Rhône, France

Tasting Notes
The Operation Dragoon Côtes du Rhône reveals beautiful aromas of cherries, cranberries and red plums. Layers of baking spice, pepper, violets and wild sage build on the nose. The palate exhibits great purity and is complimented by a pleasingly soft texture and delicious finish.

91 Points - Wine Independent
The 2021 Operation Dragoon, 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, is medium garnet-purple in color. It comes skipping out of the glass with bright cheery notes of black raspberries, mulberries, and kirsch followed by hints of black pepper and garrigue. The medium-bodied palate is soft and juicy, with lively red berry flavors and a spicy kick to the finish. (2021)

Product size: 750ml