This is classic Brouilly whereby the usually youthful Gamay grape fronts a rich, serious wine. Made by Yvonne Dufaitre in Odenas in the Saone Valley, organic practices and low yields give up a wine of real quality. The Cote de Brouilly is one of the 10 Beaujolais 'Crus', all made from the Gamay grape, which seems to have a sublime affinity with the schist and granite soils of the region. However, the real secret behind the fresh grape fruitiness of the region's wines lies in the way the grapes are fermented - a technique called carbonic maceration whereby the berries are covered with a layer of carbon dioxide. This yields a complex yet elegant palate, silky tannins and a peppery finish.
A light purple in colour with tinges of violet. On the nose, scents of black cherries, strawberries and apricots. On the palate, a clean mineral texture with restrained tannins and further cherry-pie flavours leading to a spicy finish. Delicious by itself, try also with a Pot au Feu, sauteed veal with porcini mushrooms or a Croque Monsieur (a hot ham and cheese grilled sandwich).