Jean-Yves Péron Côte Pelée 2019

Jean-Yves Péron Côte Pelée is a natural red made in the Haute-Savoie from the Alpine grape Mondeuse. Péron studied oenology in Bordeaux and trained under Thierry Allemand in Cornas and Bruno Schueller in Alsace before returning to his native Savoie in 2004 to work micro-plots in the French Alps with natural, organic and biodynamic methods. The fruit comes from a small plot of clay-limestone soils with slate and mica, a cool, stony terroir at altitude that holds acidity and keeps alcohol low, here just 10.5 percent. The mountain climate, with cold nights and a short growing season, gives Mondeuse its peppery, red-fruited character and fresh, savoury line. The wine is fermented with native yeasts and minimal intervention, then aged 12 months in used French oak, which lets the fruit and terroir lead rather than adding oak flavour. The colour is bright, light ruby. The nose shows red berries, cherry, redcurrant and a clear black pepper note over a stony base. On the palate it is light bodied and fresh, with fine tannins, vivid acidity and a savoury, mineral finish. Serve lightly chilled at 13 to 15 degrees. Good with charcuterie and pork.