News
May 2, 2026
When barbecue season arrives, one question often comes up: which wine should you open?
Between Plan de Dieu and Gigondas, the choice may seem difficult — but it really depends on what you are grilling and the atmosphere you want to create.
At the Domaine Tourbillon, both appellations are crafted with the same care, yet express very different personalities.
Plan de Dieu: juicy, spicy, and highly versatile
Plan de Dieu is often the easiest and most flexible choice for barbecue.
It shows a profile that is:
- juicy
- spicy
- driven by ripe black fruit aromas
On the palate, it is smooth, generous, and very approachable.
👉 Perfect with:
- sausages and grilled meats
- skewers
- chicken
- mixed barbecue dishes
It is a friendly, easy-drinking wine that fits almost any casual gathering.
Gigondas: compote-like, rich, and built for powerful meats
Gigondas offers a deeper and more structured expression.
Its style is:
- rich and compote-like
- concentrated and aromatic
- more structured on the palate
👉 It shines with:
- ribeye steak
- thick cuts of beef
- lamb on the grill
This is a wine designed for more gastronomic moments where the meat plays the leading role.
⚠️ Key point: aeration is essential
Whatever you choose — Plan de Dieu or Gigondas — aeration is crucial.
Let the wine breathe for at least 45 minutes before serving.
This allows:
- softer tannins
- more expressive aromas
- better balance overall
Especially with Gigondas, aeration reveals complexity and depth. With Plan de Dieu, it enhances its fruit and smoothness.
How to choose?
👉 For a relaxed, varied barbecue
→ choose Plan de Dieu
👉 For a meat-focused, gastronomic barbecue
→ choose Gigondas
Final advice from the domaine
Ideally, both wines complement each other perfectly.
Start with Plan de Dieu for appetizers and lighter dishes, then move on to Gigondas for richer, more intense meats.
At the Domaine Tourbillon, this diversity reflects the richness of Rhône Valley terroirs.
In summary
- Plan de Dieu: juicy, spicy, easy-going
- Gigondas: structured, rich, built for bold meats
- Both: minimum 45 minutes aeration required
And often, the best choice… is simply to enjoy both.
