Philippe Pacalet Moulin à Vent 2022

Philippe Pacalet bottles this red from Moulin-à-Vent, the most structured of the Beaujolais crus, known for granitic soils that give Gamay unusual depth and ageing potential. His parcels sit on clay and limestone with sandy and ferrous components, planted to vines around 45 years old and farmed biodynamically on southeast-facing slopes. The older vines and low yields concentrate the fruit, while the manganese-rich granite subsoil is traditionally credited with the firmer tannins that set Moulin-à-Vent apart. Fermentation runs with the grapes' own yeasts, in Pacalet's gentle, whole-bunch leaning style, drawing out perfume and a savoury spine rather than simple primary fruit. Ageing in used oak keeps the wine fresh and unmarked by new wood. The colour is bright ruby. The nose shows ripe cherry, raspberry and violet, with black pepper and a stony, earthy note. The palate is medium bodied, with supple tannins, lively acidity and a clean, mineral finish that carries more grip than a village Beaujolais. Serve lightly chilled at 14 to 15 degrees. It pairs well with roast pork, poultry and charcuterie.