Régnard Macôn Rouge 2023

Mâcon Rouge comes from Maison Régnard, one of the oldest houses in Burgundy, founded in 1860 and run since 1984 within the de Ladoucette estates. It is made entirely from Gamay, the variety behind Beaujolais, grown here in the Mâconnais at the southern end of Burgundy. The vineyards lie at around four hundred metres on calcareous, clay and siliceous soils: the limestone and altitude keep acidity high and the fruit fresh, while the clay holds enough water to ripen Gamay evenly through the warm southern summers. The result is a light, aromatic style built on primary fruit, the gentle barrel ageing rounding the texture without weighing it down or covering the perfume. The colour is a bright, light ruby. The nose is fresh and floral, with raspberry, red cherry and redcurrant over a little violet and black pepper. The palate is light bodied, supple and juicy, with low, soft tannins, lively acidity and a clean, peppery finish. Serve lightly chilled at 13 to 15 degrees, where the fruit shows at its brightest. It is a flexible food wine, happy with roast chicken, charcuterie, grilled pork, mushroom dishes and lighter game birds.