Clos de la Roilette Brouilly 2022

Clos de la Roilette is a historic Beaujolais estate whose vines sit on the border of Brouilly and Fleurie, on soils rich in manganese that recall neighbouring Moulin-à-Vent and give the wine more grip than a typical Brouilly. The grape is Gamay, grown on the granite and schist of the cru, where the poor, free draining soils and a temperate climate produce bright red fruit and fine tannin. Gamay here is vinified in the Beaujolais tradition of semi carbonic maceration, where whole bunches ferment with the fruit intact, drawing colour and aroma from the skins while keeping tannins light and the fruit vivid. The result is fresh and lively, with strawberry, cherry and raspberry, a floral rose note, a touch of black pepper and an earthy, mineral undertow from the site. The palate is medium bodied and juicy, the tannins soft, the finish clean and vivid. Serve lightly cool at 14 to 15 degrees. It is a flexible food wine, from charcuterie to roast pork and poultry.