Le Batossay Dynamitage 2020

Le Batossay is the work of Baptiste Cousin, based at Martigné Briand in Anjou, in the Loire Valley, where he farms organically and biodynamically and makes wine with minimal intervention. Dynamitage is a Gamay bottled as Vin de France. Anjou's varied soils, here a mix of schist and sandstone, combined with a cool, moderately maritime climate, give Gamay bright red fruit, a peppery lift and lively acidity rather than weight. As a natural wine it is fermented with native yeasts and made with little or no added sulphur, then aged in wood, which softens the tannins through gentle oxygen exchange while keeping the fruit fresh and unadorned. The colour is bright, translucent ruby. The nose is fresh and very aromatic, with wild strawberry, cherry, a touch of rose and a peppery, spiced edge. The palate is energetic and vibrant, with soft tannins, crisp acidity and a clean, juicy finish. This is a wine made for early, easy drinking. Serve at 13 to 15 degrees, with a light chill, in a standard red glass. It suits roast chicken, charcuterie, grilled salmon and lighter pork dishes.