Domaine D'Argenson Brouilly Cuvée Pierreux 2022

Domaine D’Argenson Brouilly Cuvée Pierreux 2022 comes from old vines in a vineyard plot called Pierreux which is one of 16 due to become Premier Cru Brouilly. Brouilly is already one of the Crus or higher classified areas of the Beaujolais region but the Premier Cru status will recognise the exceptional terroirs of those 16 particular vineyards. You may also see this wine elsewhere labelled as La Côte Étoilée Brouilly Pierreux. The D’Argenson label depicts Mont Brouilly in red to represent the pink granite soils of the Brouilly appellation.

Produced from 100% Gamay. Domaine D’Argenson Brouilly Cuvée Pierreux 2022 is designed to represent the purest expression of old vine Brouilly. Expect to smell and taste crisp red fruits – raspberries, strawberries, plums and even cranberries and redcurrants – and you will also detect some mineral notes and even a hint of violet flowers for which Brouilly is well-known. This wine is aged in stainless stell vats rather that in oak so the fruit flavours dominate. The crunchy red fruits emphasise the refreshing acidity in this wine that leaves you wanting more.

You can’t get more Brouilly than Domaine D’Argenson which is situated on the southern slopes of Mont Brouilly in the southern part of the Beaujolais wine region. It has been owned since 2016 by David Meheust, his father-in-law and the previous winegrower; together they have transformed the vineyards and winemaking to get the best from the over 50 year old vines. By decreasing yields, gaining sustainable certification, fermentation in concrete vats amongst other things, they have improved the wines so that they better express the unique terroir of this vineyard.

For another cru Beaujolais, try the iconic Marcel Lapierre Morgon.

This is a crisp, fruity and pretty serious Beaujolais; it is recommended to drink with charcuterie, paté, cheese, roast ham, roast lamb, roast chicken and turkey and with spicy Thai and Chinese dishes. The producer suggests “it will naturally accompany all bistro dishes, such as a marbled ham, a country terrine, a grilled pig’s trotter.”

Serve at the lower end of the suggested temperature range if you like your light red wines served cooler like the French or at 12 – 14°C

“To the eye: deep ruby color. On the nose: aromas of intense red fruits, delicate floral notes and sweet spices. In the mouth: supple attack, melted tannins, long and silky palate.”

91 points – JamesSuckling.com
“Notes of wild berries, [red]currants, herbs and forest floor on the nose follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and bright acidity. Balanced with fine tannins and good acidity. Crunchy and straightforward with a juicy core of forest berries in the finish.”