Cote de Brouilly 'L'Heronde' Domaine Les Roches Bleues 2021

The Côte de Brouilly 'L'Heronde', produced in the Beaujolais region by Domaine Les Roches Bleues, is a pure Gamay that is intense and pleasing expressive richness. The old vines yield few bunches per vine but considerable concentration, resulting in a particularly deep and long sip, characterised by lively and satisfying fruit. The perfect balance between aromatic density and freshness makes the wine smooth and agile on the palate. Elegant and fine, it is a perfect table companion for an informal dinner with friends. It goes very well with roasts, white meats, mixed grills and noble poultry on the spit.

"L'Heronde" Côte de Brouilly from Domaine Les Roches Bleues is the fruit of painstaking craftsmanship conducted with care and passion. The 9-hectare estate is located near Mont Brouilly and comprises many parcels and expressions of particular lieu dit. Between the rows, the principles of organic farming are followed to favour the soil's natural fertility and environmental biodiversity. The wine originates in the southeast slope of Mont Brouilly, particularly in the lieu dit Héronde. The old Gamay vines of this prized parcel are approximately 65 years old and are cultivated on soils generated by the disintegration of the famous Roches Bleues, which are very rich in diorites of ancient volcanic origin. The grapes are harvested by hand and are sent to whole cluster vinification with a maceration process lasting around two weeks, with spontaneous fermentation using only indigenous yeasts, at a controlled temperature of around 20 °C. The wine matures for 12-18 months in oak barrels and is bottled with gentle filtration and a very low addition of sulphites.

The Côte de Brouilly 'L'Heronde' red wine from Domaine Les Roches Bleues is an interesting version of pure Gamay, which allows us to understand the expressive potential of a vine that is all too often neglected and which, instead, if cultivated and vinified with care, is capable of expressing great wines. In the glass, it is a rather dark ruby-red colour. The olfactory profile offers small berries, currants, wild blackberries aromas, strawberries, morello cherries, floral nuances of iris and violets and delicate hints of spices. Harmonious and enveloping, it is soft and ample on the palate, with rich, juicy fruit enveloped in a mature, evolved tannic texture. The finish is fresh and persistent.