Alex Foillard Beaujolais Villages 2023

Alex Foillard is the son of Jean Foillard, one of the producers who reshaped natural winemaking in Beaujolais, and he started his own project at 24 with the guidance of his father and neighbours Marcel Lapierre and Guy Breton. This Beaujolais-Villages is made from Gamay grown on an east-facing slope, an exposure that catches morning sun and preserves acidity through cooler afternoons. Beaujolais sits on granite and schist soils that drain freely and give the wine its lightness and mineral cut. Vinification follows the regional tradition of semi-carbonic maceration, where whole clusters begin fermenting inside the berry before pressing, favouring bright red fruit, floral aromatics and a supple, low-tannin structure. Little to no oak is used, so the wine stays fresh and direct. The colour is bright ruby. The nose shows raspberry, red cherry and violet with a peppery, earthy lift. The palate is light-bodied, juicy and fresh, with soft tannin and lively acidity. Serve lightly chilled at 13 to 14 degrees. It pairs with charcuterie, roast poultry, pork and mushroom dishes.