Domaine Les Roches Bleues "La Baraquée" Côte de Brouilly '21

This wine comes from third-generation producer Jonathan Buisson, from the Brouilly cru in southern Beaujolais. Though technically part of Burgundy and located just south of the famed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay mecca of the world, Beaujolais is quite different and known for its own unique wines. Jonathan farms ten hectares of estate gamay vines, with organic and regenerative agricultural methods incorporating agroecology. Nestled in an idyllic setting at the foot of the majestic Mont Brouilly, Domaine les Roches Bleues has exceptional growing conditions, with the famous pierre bleue (diorite), a hard, blue-hued igneous rock typical of Côte de Brouilly, giving delicious wines with incredible energy, structure, and freshness.

“La Baraquée” is made of Gamay from 70-year-old vines in Brouilly, planted on sandy pink granite. Dark and savory, the cuvée is reminiscent of the dark intensity of wines that come from both Morgon and Côte de Brouilly, while retaining the soft, approachable profile of Brouilly.

Whole bunches are handpicked in small crates and selected in the vineyard. Fourteen days of whole-cluster, semi-carbonic maceration is followed by a very gentle and slow pressing, using the château’s old, wooden vertical press. The must is transferred into temperature-controlled cement tanks, where fermentation continues with native yeasts. After racking, the wine spends eight months in 50-year-old foudres before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.

In the glass, expect aromas of fresh strawberry and dark raspberry along with a subtle spice note. On the palate, flavors of dark fruits, violets, and earthiness are met with bright acidity and moderate tannin. Serve it alongside roasted chicken and wild rice, a salade lyonnaise, or even steak frites. 

One of Craig's favorite Beaujolais wines of 2023!