Clos de la Roilette Fleurie 2023

Clos de la Roilette makes this Fleurie from a cru Beaujolais estate whose vineyards lie up against the Moulin-a-Vent boundary, which gives the wine more grip than a typical Fleurie. It is single-variety Gamay from vines between 30 and 45 years old, farmed sustainably on the pink granite and manganese-rich soils of the slope. The granite warms quickly and drains freely, giving ripe but lifted fruit, while the cool Beaujolais climate keeps the wine fresh at 13% alcohol. The harvest is by hand, and fermentation runs with whole clusters and native yeasts in neutral vessels, with the cap kept submerged. This semi-carbonic, whole-bunch approach is what gives the wine its bright red-fruit aromatics, floral perfume and silky tannin. The colour is bright, light ruby. The nose shows red cherry, raspberry, violet and rose, with black pepper and a savoury, stony edge. The palate is medium bodied, fresh and supple, with fine tannin, vivid acidity and a mineral, peppery finish. Serve at 14 to 15C, lightly chilled, with roast duck, charcuterie or roast chicken.