Christophe Pacalet Julienas 2023

Christophe Pacalet works in the natural mould of Beaujolais established by his uncle Marcel Lapierre, fermenting Gamay with native yeasts and minimal sulphur. Juliénas is one of the ten Beaujolais crus, its vines rooted in granite and blue volcanic schist that drain quickly and warm the roots, giving the wine more grip and depth than basic Beaujolais. This bottling is made by carbonic maceration, where whole uncrushed bunches ferment in a sealed tank under carbon dioxide. Fermentation begins inside each berry before the skins break, which builds bright primary fruit and the soft, supple tannins typical of the method while limiting harsh extraction. Six months in used barrel rounds the texture without adding obvious oak. The wine is light to medium bodied, deep ruby in colour, with wild raspberry, cherry and crushed violet on the nose and a savoury, peppery edge from the granite soils. The palate is juicy and fresh, the tannins fine, the finish clean and stony. Serve lightly chilled at around 14 degrees, in a standard glass, with charcuterie, roast chicken or a plate of mushrooms.