Julien Guillot Mâcon Cruzille Cuvée 910 2023

Clos des Vignes du Mayne lies in Mâcon-Cruzille in southern Burgundy, on vineyards first planted and vinified by the monks of Cluny Abbey around the year 910, the source of this cuvée's name. The Guillot family acquired the estate in 1958 and has farmed it without chemicals ever since, now working biodynamically under Julien Guillot. The wine is a co-planted field blend of Gamay and Pinot Noir with a little of the white grape Chardonnay, harvested and fermented together. The Mâconnais sits on limestone and clay soils that drain well and lend freshness and a mineral cut, while the continental climate with cool nights keeps acidity bright at 13.5 percent. The wine is made naturally with native yeasts and minimal handling, then aged twelve months in used French oak that adds no obvious wood, so the emphasis stays on fruit and drinkability. It shows a light, bright ruby, with red berries, cherry and a floral lift of white flowers and rose over an earthy, faintly peppery background. The palate is light and juicy, with soft tannins, fresh acidity and a clean, mineral finish. Serve lightly chilled at 14 to 15 degrees, with charcuterie, poultry or lighter dishes.