Description
A perfect demonstration of why wines from Fleurie are so popular, the wine is medium-bodied, not too heavy but with plenty of character from the Gamay grape variety and the richness of a warmer vintage. 14% alcohol, and very very juicy!
TASTING NOTE: Bright, medium red, ruby colour. On the nose: cherry notes of the Gamay grape, along with orange peel, mixed herbs, blackcurrant and a hint of spice. It’s ripe and generous in nature with lots of aroma/flavour. On the palate: it is medium in body with silky texture, medium acidity given the relatively warm conditions of the 2023 vintage, and moderate tannins, plus generous alcohol. Most of all, it has masses of flavour, excellent balance and a long, complex finish. It’s extremely juicy and a great example of top Beaujolais in a warm vintage.
FOOD PAIRING, STORING AND SERVICE: With several years of age, this is an interesting food match and one that is surprisingly (given it’s not a classic, firm-structured wine such as a Bordeaux) versatile and good at food pairing. Try with tuna steak or baked fish with herbs, or duck confit. While it might be overpowered by a gutsy winter stew, given its complexity of flavour and freshness, it would work well with a soup or lighter stew with lots of different vegetables and seasonings, eg a minestrone or spring vegetable stew.
ABOUT: Domaine Chignard is based in Fleurie itself, a well-regarded Cru vineyard area which lies within the larger region of Beaujolais in France. Made by Cédric Chignard from an excellent vineyard known as Les Moriers (Moriers derives from ‘Muriers’ or mulberry tree as the area was once planted with mulberry trees) on a slope just above the village of Fleurie, on the typical granite soils of this area. The Chignard family own 8 hectares of vineyards (about 20 acres); this vineyard is the oldest of them all, planted 40 years ago.
