History
In latin the name of the place was Jucunditas mening joy
and gladness.
You can't say for certain that wine lies behind the name, but
it's easy to understand if it's claimed.
Numerous
pieces of coins,
potsherds
and other
relics
from
Roman times
have been found.
It is said
that
retired legionaries
were
allowed to settle
in Provence
as a reward
for faithful
service. Naturally,
they have also grown
wine
to a lesser
extent.
In the
early Middle Ages Gigondas was a
part of
the Holy Roman
German Empire
and belonged to
the Kingdom of
Burgundy.
The history
of Gigondas
is closely linked
to the city of
Orange. Orange
was a
so-called Principality.
Since
1181
the prince or
duke,
who reigned over
the city, had
feudal rights
over the
inhabitants, not
only of Orange but also of other areas Jonquières, Violès, Courthézon, Gigondas,
Suzette, Lafare and Hameau de Derboux in Mondragon. The principality
has since 1713 been a part of France, but a part of its history
still lives in the name Vin de Pays de la Principauté
d'Orange.
Gigondas has never like for example Chateauneuf du Pape been
reigned by The
Pope or bishops from Avignon.
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