Domaine Lafarge-Vial Chiroubles 2020

Domaine Lafarge-Vial is a small estate based in Fleurie, run by Frédéric and Chantal Lafarge, who also make wine in the Côte de Beaune and brought that Burgundian sensibility south to Beaujolais in 2014. This wine comes from the granite hillsides of Chiroubles, the highest of the Beaujolais crus, where pink granite soils and altitude give the lightest, most perfumed expression of Gamay. The vines are farmed organically and biodynamically, and the fruit is vinified in the local tradition, with a period of whole-cluster carbonic-style fermentation that emphasises bright fruit and floral aromatics over tannin. Twelve months in French oak settles the wine and adds a little spice without weighing it down. The colour is bright translucent ruby. The nose is lifted, with red berries, cherry, rose and white flowers over a peppery, stony note. On the palate it is light bodied and fresh, with low, supple tannins, crisp acidity and a clean, mineral finish. Serve lightly chilled at 13 to 15 degrees. Good with roast chicken, charcuterie or pork.