‘La Rochelle’ Château du Moulin-à-Vent 2018 – Beaujolais, France.

This stunning Gamay is from low yielding, 80 year old vines, the vineyard site dates back to at least 1742 when it was known as Château des Thorins. It’s been in the hands of Jean-Jacques Parinet since 2009, and he’s invested heavily with intention to make this estate the finest in the appellation.

The La Rochelle vineyard is 4.2 hectares and is situated at the top of a hillside. The soils are a mixture of granite, sand, clay and elements of manganese and iron oxides. The vineyard is situated at 280 metres above sea level and benefits from cooling winds. The vines are 80 years old, and coupled with south facing exposure, this means that the resulting berries are small with beautiful concentration and finesse.

Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks with half the grapes destemmed and the rest remaining as bunches. A third of the wine was then aged in used French oak barrels for 15 months with the rest aged in stainless steel tanks. The wine was then blended before bottling.

A vibrant, violet red in colour and a wonderful expressive nose of dark cherry, wild flower, herbs and spice. Superb concentration on the palate with darker berry fruits and a fresh minerality. The wine finishes with silky tannins and a long ripe finish.

Country: France

Region: Beaujolais

Grape: Gamay

Volume: 75cl

ABV: 13%

Vintage: 2018

Organic/Biodynamic

Suitable for Vegans: Yes 

Suitable for Vegetarians: Yes

Food pairing: Roast Pigeon with black pudding, game dishes, liver and other offal dishes will work well with the fruit and minerality of the wine.