Maupertuis La Plage 2023

The Auvergne sits in the heart of France, in the Limagne basin, and was once the country's third-largest wine region before phylloxera in 1895 and mildew in 1910 cut production sharply. Jean Maupertuis farms here organically and works with minimal intervention. La Plage is a young Gamay grown on the region's volcanic soils. The basalt and granite subsoils and the cool continental climate keep acidity high and the fruit fresh, giving a lighter, more mineral style of Gamay than warmer sites produce. The grapes are fermented with wild yeast and little added sulphur, and the wine is raised in tank rather than oak, so it keeps its bright, primary character. Some whole-bunch fermentation adds lift and a peppery edge. The colour is a vivid, translucent ruby. The nose shows raspberry, redcurrant and rhubarb, with a stony freshness. The palate is light, juicy and low in tannin, finishing clean and savoury. Serve cool, at around 13 to 14 degrees. It is a good match for charcuterie, roast chicken and mushroom dishes, and drinks well on its own.