Domaine Gayda, Sphere Pinot Noir 2024

Get to know: Domaine Gayda, Sphere Pinot Noir 2024

A bright, juicy Languedoc Pinot Noir from Gayda’s Sphere range - no added sulphur

Tasting Note

Gayda’s Sphere range shows off single grape varieties across the Languedoc’s terroirs. In the glass, a brilliant ruby red - youthful and inviting. On the nose, lush red cherry and raspberry, with a twist of cinnamon emerging as it opens. The palate is smooth and supple - wild strawberries to start, soft spice, cocoa and a silky finish full of mocha and tonka bean. Gentle structure, subtle depth, satisfying finish. Everything you want in a properly approachable French red at this level.

Top food pairings:

• Grilled portobello mushrooms with herby couscous
• Roast duck with cherry glaze
• Mature cheddar or a soft washed-rind cheese
• Slightly chilled on a warm evening with charcuterie

Kate Says

“This is fresh, easy to drink, and full of soft red fruit with a touch of spice. The kind of wine you could open midweek and happily finish, no fuss. Feels like a proper all-rounder - smart enough for dinner but relaxed enough for a night on the sofa.”

Producer Info

Domaine Gayda is based in Brugairolles near Carcassonne - founded in 1749 as a coaching inn, gradually transformed into the modern wine estate it is today. Since 2004, under owners Tim Ford and Anthony Record with winemaker Vincent Chansault, the estate has focused on integrity, precision and showcasing Languedoc terroirs at proper price points. This 2024 Pinot Noir is made with no added sulphur - a brave choice for a Pinot at this price — drawing real purity and expressive character out of the fruit. Grapes are cold-soaked for 10 days to draw out colour and flavour gently, then cool-fermented and lightly handled in the winery. Aged for six months on fine lees in stainless steel tanks, building texture and subtle depth.

How it’s made:

• 100% Pinot Noir from the Languedoc
• No added sulphur - purity-first winemaking at this price level
• Cold maceration for 10 days before fermentation
• Cool fermentation; minimal-intervention handling
• 6 months ageing on fine lees in stainless steel
• No oak - fruit lift over barrel character

Good to know:

• Region: Languedoc-Roussillon, France
• Style: Red, still, light-bodied
• Grape: Pinot Noir 100%
• ABV: 12.5%
• Vegan: Yes
• Vintage: 2024
• No added sulphur

Why we love it:

No-added-sulphur Pinot Noir at this price is the kind of value flag Gayda quietly raises across their range. Cold-soaked, cool-fermented, six months on lees, no oak - every winemaking choice protects fruit purity. The result is the rare Languedoc Pinot that actually drinks like Pinot (light, fragrant, fresh) rather than like a dressed-up Grenache. Brilliant slightly chilled with roast chicken, charcuterie, or just on its own at the end of a long week.