Patrick Bouju Lulu 2023

Lulu is a Vin de France red from Patrick Bouju and Justine Loiseau of Domaine la Bohème, made entirely from Gamay in the Auvergne. Gamay thrives in this cool, high inland region, where volcanic and granite soils and a fresh climate give the grape its bright red fruit and lively acidity. Bouju works with minimal intervention, so the wine is fermented spontaneously with native yeasts and without temperature control, letting the vineyard speak rather than the recipe. What sets Lulu apart from his tank-raised cuvées is the ageing, thirteen months in barrel. That extended time in wood, with its slow oxygen exchange, rounds the texture and adds a little savoury depth and structure while keeping the fruit and freshness intact. It pours a bright, medium-deep red. The nose leads with red cherry, raspberry and plum, with a peppery, earthy edge and a floral rose lift. The palate is light to medium bodied, with fine-grained tannins, fresh acidity and a clean, savoury finish carrying a touch of barrel-given depth. Serve slightly cool at 14 to 16 degrees, and there is no need to decant. It suits charcuterie, roast pork and poultry.