Maupertuis Lave Gris Rosé 2023

Jean Maupertuis is a natural grower in the Auvergne, in the volcanic heart of central France, where he farms Gamay organically and works with minimal intervention in the cellar. Lave Gris is a vin gris, a very pale rosé made from a quick, gentle pressing of Gamay so that the juice takes only a little colour from the skins. The vineyards sit on dark volcanic soils, and that geology lends the wine a stony, mineral character, while the cool, high site keeps acidity firm and the fruit fresh. Fermentation runs on wild yeasts with no additions, in keeping with the natural style, with no oak to mask the fruit or the soil. The wine is a pale, faintly grey-pink, with red berry and redcurrant fruit, a citrus twist and a clear mineral, almost stony note. The palate is dry, light and energetic, the bright fruit carried by sharp acidity to a clean, savoury finish with a saline edge. This is a wine of freshness and transparency rather than weight. Serve well chilled at 8 to 10 degrees as an aperitif, or with charcuterie, white fish and goats cheese.