Jean Louis Dutraive Fleurie 2016

Tasting Notes

Grapes for this cuvee were sourced from a friend and quality grower on the granitic slopes at the back of Fleurie. Apart from that it is made exactly the same way with carbonic fermentation of around 3 weeks. We have the unsulphured bottling: fresh off the boat and barely shaken. Light powdery pink floral tones with subtle red berry forest fruits, as well as sous bois and freshly turned earth. Certainly showing a more herbal edge, which is probably due to the sourcing from a higher elevated vineyard than those of the domaine. The palate is super fresh with a cool herbal undercurrent. The lively mineral acidity sits beneath the subtle flavours of wild raspberry and sour cherry fruits. There is a lot of minerality that builds nicely, becoming almost stony on the finish. Fragrance builds too as the wine warms in the mouth, bringing the floral and musky spice tones forward. A worthy rescue cuvée for this tricky vintage. - Importer Note

If you've never heard of Domaine de la Grand Cour in Fleurie, then you probably should know about Jean-Louis Dutraive. Jean-Louis is the owner and man behind the wines of Grand Cour. The difference is that the "Domaine" wines come from the estate that surrounds the family home and the wine labelled as "Jean-Louis Dutraive" are wines made from purchased fruit around the region. - Chris L