Domaine Saint-Cyr Alien 2021

Alien is made by Domaine Saint-Cyr, a family estate at Anse on the southernmost edge of Beaujolais, where the fourth generation, Raphael Saint-Cyr, has converted all 23 hectares to certified organic and biodynamic farming. The grape is Aligote, Burgundy's other white variety, naturally high in acidity and citric in profile, bottled here as a Vin de France. What sets this wine apart is the elevage: 24 months in barrel, an unusually long ageing for Aligote that works through extended lees contact to build texture, weight and a nutty, savoury complexity while the wine holds its bright acidic core. Farmed without chemicals and made with a light hand in the cellar, it keeps a clear sense of place. The soils of southern Beaujolais mix limestone and clay, which suit white grapes and reinforce the mineral line. Expect a pale gold colour and a nose of lemon, green apple, pear and beeswax with a faint almond note from the barrel. The palate is dry and textured, with citrus, orchard fruit and a long, mineral finish. Serve at 11 to 13 degrees.