Christophe Pacalet Côte de Brouilly 2023

Christophe Pacalet is a chef turned winemaker in Beaujolais, schooled by his uncle Marcel Lapierre, a renowned producer of natural wine. This is his Côte de Brouilly, a cru set on the slopes of the extinct volcano Mont Brouilly. The hill's blue volcanic schist and diorite soils, locally known as pierre bleue, give Côte de Brouilly more body and mineral depth than most Beaujolais crus, while the elevation and cool continental climate preserve freshness and aromatic lift. Pacalet farms naturally and uses carbonic maceration, fermenting whole bunches under carbon dioxide so that fermentation starts within the intact berries. This brings out bright primary fruit and a supple, low tannin structure while preserving the wine's perfume. The colour is a deep, bright ruby. The nose offers cherry, wild strawberry, plum, rose and a peppery, mineral edge. The palate is medium bodied, juicy and supple, with fresh acidity, fine soft tannins and a savoury, stony finish that gives it more grip than a typical village Beaujolais. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees, with a light chill, in a Burgundy glass. It suits roast chicken, pork and mushroom dishes.