Winery: Domaine des Roches Bleues
Grape Varieties: Gamay
Region: Brouilly, Beaujolais, France
Appellation: Beaujolais
Color: Red
Format: 0.75 L Bottle
Description
The 2021 Brouilly “La Croquante” from Domaine des Roches Bleues perfectly captures the spirit of Beaujolais. Nestled on the granite slopes of Mont Brouilly, the estate benefits from a unique terroir that imparts a distinct character to this wine. Made exclusively from Gamay, the wine is fresh and vibrant, reflecting its name “La Croquante,” which evokes the lively and crisp fruit flavors. This wine is all about immediate enjoyment, with its youthful, juicy fruit profile.
Blend
This wine is made entirely from Gamay, the iconic grape variety of Beaujolais. Gamay produces light, fragrant wines with intense red fruit aromas and lively acidity. Cultivated on granite soils, the Gamay in Brouilly takes on a special dimension, with marked freshness and minerality, reflecting the unique terroir of this appellation.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Bright ruby red, with violet reflections, showing its youthful energy and vibrancy.
Nose: Intensely fruity, dominated by ripe red berries such as cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry. Delicate floral notes, particularly violet, add elegance, while hints of licorice and subtle minerality complete the refined bouquet.
Palate: The palate bursts with crisp red fruit, delivering juicy flavors of cherry, currant, and raspberry. The attack is lively, supported by fresh acidity that gives the wine an energetic and refreshing profile. The tannins are fine and silky, providing just enough structure to balance the wine’s lightness and vibrancy. The finish is fresh, with a slight hint of spice and discreet minerality that prolongs the enjoyment.
Aging Potential
This Brouilly is best enjoyed young, ideally within 3 to 5 years of harvest, to fully appreciate its freshness and fruity character. However, it can also develop more complexity with a few years of aging, while maintaining its softness.
Food Pairings
The 2021 Brouilly “La Croquante” is a versatile wine that pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. Here are some suggestions to highlight its richness:
Charcuterie: A platter of mixed charcuterie (saucisson, country ham, pâtés) will complement the wine’s fruity aromas.
Salads: A warm goat cheese salad or grilled gizzards will pair beautifully with the wine’s freshness.
White meats: Grilled or roasted chicken or turkey marries well with the wine’s lightness and fine tannins.
Bistro cuisine: A classic steak-frites, andouillette, or a gourmet burger harmonizes with the wine’s acidity and liveliness.
Light cheeses: Fresh or soft cheeses (Saint-Marcellin, fresh goat cheese) will enhance the minerality of the Brouilly.
Vegetarian dishes: A vegetable gratin or ratatouille will highlight the wine’s softness and fruitiness.
