Domaine Chapel Chiroubles 2022

Domaine Chapel is a young, low-intervention estate run by Michele Smith and David Chapel, working organically certified plots in the Beaujolais crus. This wine comes from Chiroubles, the highest of the ten crus, where Gamay grows on thin soils of decomposed pink granite at altitude. The granite and elevation give Chiroubles its reputation as the lightest and most perfumed of the crus, with bright red fruit and floral aromatics rather than weight. Farming is organic and vegan, with a natural approach in the cellar and minimal intervention. The wine ages 9 months in large foudres, which let it settle and round out while keeping the fruit fresh and the oak character absent. The colour is bright, light ruby. The nose is floral and lifted, with red cranberry, cherry, redcurrant and a touch of rose and black pepper. The palate is light bodied and juicy, with low, supple tannins, crunchy red fruit and a fresh, mineral finish. Serve lightly chilled at 13 to 14 degrees. It is flexible at the table, working with poultry, charcuterie, pork and lighter game.