Tasting Notes
Grape variety: Gamay noir à jus blanc, from various strains of Gamay.
Location: This plot is located at the top of Mont Brouilly, on an arid soil composed of blue metamorphic rock, with southerly exposure and slopes of up to 50%.
Growing method: The vineyard is planted to a density of 8,000 vines/hectare with managed strips of grass and flowers to encourage a diverse fauna and flora. Trained in the traditional 'gobelet " (goblet) pattern, fastened with wicker or rattan.
Wine-making: Hand-picked, vinified for 14 –15 days with bunches whole or partly de-stemmed, aged in oak casks until the June following the harvest.
Tasting notes: Deep red, bluish reflections, wild strawberry and bilberry nose, frank attack, fruity fullness and final note of spices.
With food: Wonderful with regional dishes such as Volaille de Bresse à la crème (chicken in a cream and white wine sauce) and local specialities from Lyons.
An increased focus on the environment and an awareness of sustainable agriculture have given rise to a huge increase in organic viticulture. This is an exciting area of growth in the world of wine, and if done right, one that leads to better wines, healthier vines and soils, and less stress on the earth.
But what makes a wine organic?
Organic wine refers to a method of farming, rather than winemaking. It all starts in the vineyard, where vignerons and viticulturalists no longer use synthetic or systemic pesticides, herbicides or fertilisers. Instead they opt for organic compounds such as copper and sulfur, which can help reduce he pressure of disease and pests. This results in much better vine and soil health, with no unwanted chemicals leeching into local rivers and waterways through run-off.
Organic farming is not to be confused with Biodynamic farming which, although similar, is a different approach and requires many more specific practices. These practices such as specific soil preparations, and lunar-cycle harvesting are not necessary to achieve an organic system.
It is important to note that organic wines can still have sulphur dioxide added to them. Sulphur is an organic compound, and therefore winemakers are free to add it to their wines, and still achieve organic certification. Winemakers will often add sulphur to help stabilise the wine and protect it from oxygen come bottling time. The wine will still be completely organic, assuming the proper farming practices have been adhered to.
Product Type | Wine Red Gamay & Beaujolais |
Volume | 750ml |
Country | France |
Region | Beaujolais |
Sub Region | Cote de Brouilly |
Winemaking Practices | Minimal Intervention |
Vineyard Practices | Organic/Biodynamic |