Domaine Saint-Cyr Chénas Les Journets 2020

Domaine Saint-Cyr sits in the Beaujolais cru of Chénas, the smallest of the ten crus, on the granite and sandy soils that give the region its perfumed, mineral reds. Raphaël Saint-Cyr turned the 23 hectare family estate over to organic farming when he took charge in 2008, later moving to biodynamics, and now makes Les Journets as a natural wine with minimal intervention and little or no added sulphur. Gamay on decomposed granite roots into poor, free draining ground, and the cool continental climate with its warm days and cool nights keeps the fruit fresh and the acidity firm. Whole bunch fermentation in the semi carbonic Beaujolais manner draws colour and bright fruit from the berries while keeping tannins supple, and the wine is raised without heavy oak so the fruit and terroir stay in focus. It is bright ruby with a perfumed nose of raspberry, cherry and violet over crushed stone. The palate is juicy and light to medium bodied, with crunchy red fruit, a peppery lift and a clean, stony finish. Serve at 13 to 15 degrees, lightly chilled if you like. It works with charcuterie, roast pork and poultry.