Clos de la Roilette Fleurie Cuvée Tardive 2024

Clos de la Roilette sits in the Fleurie cru of Beaujolais, where Alain Coudert farms Gamay on granite and clay soils close to the Moulin-à-Vent boundary. That granite gives the wine more grip and depth than the floral, easy style Fleurie is usually known for. The Cuvée Tardive comes from later picked, riper fruit off older vines, which adds concentration and a darker fruit profile. Beaujolais cru is typically made by semi carbonic maceration, where whole bunches ferment under their own weight and carbon dioxide, drawing colour and bright fruit from the skins with supple tannin. This cuvée then spends twelve months in French oak, longer than usual for the region, which knits the structure together and adds a light savoury spice. The wine is deep ruby, with dark cherry, raspberry and blackberry over violet, pepper and a stony mineral note. The palate is fuller than a typical Fleurie, the tannins fine and firm, the acidity fresh, the finish long. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees. It suits roast pork, poultry and game birds.