Les Roches Bleues "Les Trois Loups" Brouilly '20

Jonathan Buisson and Chloë, his wife, are third-generation artisan producers in southern Beaujolais. Although technically part of Burgundy and located just south of the famed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay mecca of the world, Beaujolais is quite different and makes its own unique wines. They farm ten hectares of estate gamay vines with organic and regenerative agricultural methods and use agroforestry techniques as well. In an idyllic setting at the foot of the majestic Mont Brouilly, the growing conditions at the domaine are exceptional, with the famous pierre bleue (diorite, a hard, blue-hued igneous rock typical of Côte de Brouilly) contributing to the energy, structure, and freshness of the wines made here.

The 2020 Domaine Les Roches Bleues “Les Trois Loups” is an excellent example of cru Beaujolais. There are ten crus in the region, which represent the best vineyard sites of the AOC, and Brouilly is one of the southernmost. “Les Trois Loups” is Jonathan’s favorite vineyard and named as an homage to his father and grandfather, who founded the domaine. Whole grape bunches are hand harvested and undergo semicarbonic maceration, then are transferred to cement tanks to complete fermentation with native yeast. The wine then spends one year in large, old oak foudres before being bottled without the addition of sulfur, fining, or filtration.

Aromatic notes of dark cherry and red raspberry with a hint of green peppercorn. Soft up front, with bright red fruit on the palate, and soft tannins and fresh acidity on the finish. An ethereal style of Brouilly.

Pair it with roasted chicken, French onion soup, or saucisson brioché lyonnais.