Nicolas Chemarin Beaujolais Villages Les Vignes de Jeannot 2017

Nicolas Chemarin farms an eight hectare family estate in the village of Marchampt in the hills of Beaujolais, working as the fourth generation on vines first tended by his ancestor Jean Chemarin. He follows biodynamic and natural methods, aiming for expression with minimal intervention. The wine is made from Gamay grown on the pink granite and schist soils of the Beaujolais-Villages hills, which drain freely and give a wine that is light in body but firm in structure. Gamay here is typically vinified by carbonic or semi carbonic maceration, where whole clusters ferment from within, a method that lifts the aromatics and softens the tannin while keeping the fruit fresh. This bottling has further time in barrel, adding a savoury, earthy depth. The colour is bright ruby. The nose is fragrant, with raspberry, red cherry and dark plum over cracked pepper and a stony, herbal edge. The palate is light to medium bodied, with juicy acidity, supple tannin and a mineral finish. Serve it at 14 to 15 degrees, lightly chilled, in a standard glass. It pairs with pork, poultry and charcuterie.