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Gamay is one of the oldest and most emblematic red grape varieties in French viticulture. Originating in the heart of Burgundy, it appears in writings as early as the 14th century. The first mention dates back to 1360, in the small village of Gamay, near Saint-Aubin, which gave it its name.
From its origins, this grape variety sparked both fascination and controversy. In the 15th century, Duke Philip the Bold decided to uproot it from Burgundy in favor of Pinot Noir, deeming it too rustic and too productive. But this decision, far from signaling its demise, ushered in a new era: it firmly established itself further south, in Beaujolais, where it found an ideal terroir to flourish.
A grape variety deeply rooted in Beaujolais
Today, Gamay is inextricably linked to Beaujolais. It covers about 98% of the vineyards in this region located between Mâcon and Lyon. There, it gives birth to wines that go far beyond the sometimes-reductive image of Beaujolais Nouveau. Thanks to the diversity of soils – granite, schist, clay, and sand – it reveals an astonishing palette of styles, from light, fruity, and easy-drinking wines to deep and structured cuvées, capable of aging for several decades.
Gamay is also present in the Loire Valley, where it offers lively red and rosé wines, notably in the Anjou, Touraine, Coteaux du Vendômois, and Cheverny appellations. In these cooler regions, it expresses a crisp personality, often marked by tart red fruits.
Beyond France, the grape variety has traveled. It is found in Switzerland, particularly around Lake Geneva, where it is often blended with Pinot Noir to produce the famous Dôle. There are also plantings in Canada, Oregon, New Zealand, and even Japan, proving that this grape retains international appeal.
Synonyms and denominations
Depending on the region, Gamay goes by different names. In the Loire Valley, it is sometimes called Gamay de Touraine. In Switzerland, it is simply referred to as "Gamay," but it is found in blends under the Dôle appellation. In some ancient texts, it is mentioned as Petit Gamay or Bourguignon Noir.
These variations do not alter its uniqueness: Gamay remains a typical grape variety of temperate climates, which thrives in granitic and sandy soils.
Physical description of the grape variety
Gamay is a vigorous, relatively productive vine, with early budding. Its bunches are medium to large, often conical and compact. The berries are round, an intense black-blue, covered with abundant bloom. Their skin is thin, which makes them susceptible to fungal diseases, but their pulp is juicy and sweet, yielding wines that are both generous and elegant.
The leaves are quite large, three-lobed, and a slightly shiny light green. Gamay's ripening is early to mid-season, making it a grape variety well suited to continental climates and sunny hillsides.
Viticultural particularities
Gamay is renowned for its productivity. It is a grape variety that can yield high harvests, sometimes at the expense of quality. But when managed – by limiting yields and favoring old vines rooted in poor soils – it reveals remarkable depth and finesse.
It is particularly well-suited to the granitic soils of Beaujolais, where it gives its purest expressions. On more clayey soils, it tends to produce heavier and less elegant wines. Vineyard management is therefore essential to get the most out of it.
Gamay is also the emblematic grape variety for carbonic maceration, a technique that involves fermenting whole bunches in a tank saturated with carbon dioxide. This method promotes the extraction of intense fruity aromas and soft tannins, resulting in easy-drinking wines that are enjoyable in their youth. But Gamay can also be vinified in a more traditional way, offering structured cuvées designed for aging.
A recognizable aromatic profile
Gamay seduces above all with its aromatic generosity. It is a grape variety that emphasizes fruit, with an explosion of notes of cherry, raspberry, strawberry, blackcurrant, and sometimes blackberry. Floral aromas (peony, violet) are also found, and, depending on the terroir, spicy touches (pepper, licorice) or mineral notes.
On the palate, it offers a supple attack, a light to medium texture, and a natural freshness that makes it particularly digestible. Young wines are generally supple, fruity, and easy to drink. But the cuvées from the Beaujolais crus, such as Morgon, Moulin-à-Vent, Côte de Brouilly, or Fleurie, show a completely different facet: a more assertive structure, present tannins, and impressive aging potential.
Wine styles produced
Light and fruity wines
In its simplest version, Gamay offers red wines without heaviness, lively and easy to drink. This style is typical of Beaujolais Villages or the famous Beaujolais Nouveau. These wines are best enjoyed young, often within a year of harvest, and are appealing for their cheerful and festive character.
The Beaujolais Crus
The ten Beaujolais crus – Morgon, Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie, Juliénas, Chiroubles, Saint-Amour, Brouilly, Côte de Brouilly, Chénas, and Régnié – reveal the full complexity of Gamay. Each cru has its own identity. For example, Morgon produces powerful and full-bodied wines, capable of aging 10 to 20 years. Fleurie, on the other hand, produces more delicate and floral wines.
Rosé and sparkling wines
Gamay can also be vinified as a rosé, particularly in the Loire Valley, where it produces lively and fruity wines. It is also found in some Crémants, where its natural freshness is an asset for producing sparkling wines.
Natural wines
In the world of natural wines, Gamay holds a prominent place. Thanks to its vibrant fruit and freshness, it lends itself perfectly to winemaking without additives. Many winemakers in Beaujolais, pioneers of this movement, have helped give Gamay a modern and avant-garde image.
These wines appeal to a young and curious public who seek honest, lively, and easy-drinking cuvées. Gamay thus embodies a new way of approaching wine: less formal, more spontaneous, and resolutely geared towards sharing.
Food and wine pairings
Gamay is a table-friendly wine. Thanks to its lightness and freshness, it pairs with a wide variety of dishes.
Young and fruity wines pair well with charcuterie, simple dishes, grilled foods, and tapas.
More structured crus accompany red meats, roasted poultry, sauced dishes, and even some soft cheeses.
Rosé versions find their place as an aperitif, with summer salads or seafood.
Its versatility makes it a convivial wine, always suitable for meals with friends as well as for formal dinners.
Aging potential
Contrary to popular belief, Gamay can age. While Beaujolais Nouveaux and light cuvées should be drunk quickly, the Beaujolais crus can evolve magnificently over time. A Moulin-à-Vent or a Morgon can be kept for 10, 15, or even 20 years, developing aromas of stewed fruit, spices, and undergrowth.
Gamay across Europe and the world
While France remains its birthplace and its privileged territory, Gamay has successfully seduced other vineyards. In Switzerland, it is widely cultivated in the canton of Geneva and in Valais, where it is blended with Pinot Noir to produce harmonious wines.
In New Zealand, on the North Island, it produces crisp and fruity reds. In Canada, in Ontario and British Columbia, it offers light wines, perfectly suited to the climate. Even in Japan, some plots are dedicated to this grape variety, to meet a growing local demand.
Gamay and natural wines
In the world of natural wines, Gamay has become a flagship grape variety. Its vibrant aromas and drinkability make it a perfect ally for winemaking without sulfur and without artifice. Many winemakers in Beaujolais, pioneers of this movement, have helped give Gamay a modern and avant-garde image.
These wines appeal to a young and curious public who seek honest, lively, and easy-drinking cuvées. Gamay thus embodies a new way of approaching wine: less formal, more spontaneous, and resolutely geared towards sharing.
Conclusion: the wine of conviviality
Gamay is unfairly underestimated and deserves to be rediscovered. Capable of producing both simple and gourmet wines as well as deep and ambitious cuvées, it embodies the diversity and richness of French viticulture.
Whether it's a cheerful Beaujolais Nouveau, a delicate Fleurie, or a powerful Morgon, each glass tells a story: that of a generous grape, rooted in its terroirs and always faithful to its identity.
Gamay is above all a wine of pleasure, a wine of sharing, a wine that brings people together. Its freshness, lightness, and fruit make it the very expression of conviviality.
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Beaujolais Lancié, Magnum Red 2018
Domaine Bélicard
With this Beaujolais Villages 2018 in magnum format, Domaine Bélicard offers a generous and gourmet version of its 100% Gamay noir, AOC certified, grown on the light sands of Lancié. A full-bodied, expressive red wine, made for sharing and festive gatherings, in a decidedly natural yet always accessible style.
A supple natural wine
The grapes are vinified with a short maceration to preserve the fruity momentum of the grape variety. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts, without oenological inputs, followed by 9 months of aging in concrete vats, which respects the integrity of the juice while giving it a beautiful roundness. This wine has nothing to hide: it shines with its frankness and conviviality.
Ripe and juicy fruit
The nose evokes bright red fruits, but also notes of pomegranate, black fruits, and candied fruits. On the palate, it is supple, smooth, with a generous texture and a beautiful freshness. The tannins are melted, the whole remains tonic and carried by a beautiful energy. This magnum is enjoyed in its breadth, unpretentious but with great pleasure.
The magnum of simple happiness
Serve at 14–16 °C, without decanting, this Lancié 2018 is perfect for dinner aperitifs, charcuterie boards, bistro dishes, or generous picnics. A friendly wine as we like them, to drink now or within 5 years.
Cuvée Expériment Rosé 2020,
Belly Wine Experiment
A rosé with a lot to tell, somehow bridging the gap between Catalonia and Auvergne. Fruit, freshness, liveliness, vivacity, and a beautiful light ruby color. Officially classified as a red wine because it contains white wine, this rosé Experiment cuvée is made from equal parts Gamay from Auvergne and Xarello from Catalonia. The Gamay undergoes semicarbonic maceration in whole bunches for fifteen days, then it is blended with crushed Xarello, along with its stems, and macerated for five days. Classified as Vin de France and with an alcohol content of 12.7%, the wine is produced without any chemical additives, either in the vineyard or in the cellar. It is aged in fiberglass vats.
To find out more
Founded and run by Claire Sage and Aimé Duveau, located in Chanteuges (Haute-Loire), Belly Wine Experiment is as much an experiment as it is a winemaking business. The creative duo has a lot to offer: Claire is the sister of Adrien Sage, a fan of underwater wine aging but above all an importer of Catalan wines. Hence the presence of Catalan grape varieties in Belly Wine Experiment's blends, alongside Burgundy, Auvergne, and Jura grape varieties, often found in the same bottle. Aimé is the son of Manu Duveau, a poet-winemaker from Auvergne, a former stonemason, and a great winemaker of local Gamays at his Domaine de l'Égrappille. The unique feature of Belly Wine Experiment is the exoticism (in the literal sense) of the blends, with Xarel lo from Catalonia, for example, blending naturally with Gamay from Puy-de-Dôme. The wines are made using semi-carbonic maceration, without the addition of chemical additives or excessive manipulation in the cellar. The winery is also known for its high-quality, vinous perries.
Mensonge à Papa Red 2021
Fresh, supple, fruity, light, and easy-drinking, Mensonge à Papa is a delicious wine for aperitifs, sharing, thirst quenching, meals, and good company. It proudly carries the banner of Gamay from two regions: Auvergne (from Châteaugay, near Riom, on calcareous-volcanic soils) and Beaujolais (from Rivolet, on blue granite). It is the result of a blend of equal parts of these two origins of the same grape variety, with a shared family resemblance, but also a marked difference: the Gamay from Auvergne has more acidity. Lie to Dad is therefore, in a way, an ode to Gamay. The grapes are first slowly pressed, then their must is added to whole bunches (of Gamay, surprise!) for a fifteen-day carbonic maceration. The aging takes place for a year in fiberglass vats. No chemical inputs are added during the cultivation and vinification, and in particular no sulfites. Classified as a Vin de France and with an alcohol content of 13.5%, it will be wonderful as an aperitif or with food, or just to have a good time.
To find out more
Founded and run by Claire Sage and Aimé Duveau, located in Chanteuges (Haute-Loire), Belly Wine Experiment is as much an experiment as a winemaking business. The creative duo has a lot to live up to: Claire is the sister of Daniel Sage, a fan of underwater wine aging but above all an importer of Catalan wines. Hence the presence of Catalan grape varieties in Belly Wine Experiment's blends, alongside Burgundy, Auvergne, and Jura grape varieties, readily found in the same bottle. Aimé is the son of Manu Duveau, a poet-winemaker from Auvergne, a former stonemason, and a great winemaker of local Gamays at his Domaine de l'Égrappille. The uniqueness of Belly Wine Experiment is the exoticism (in the literal sense) of the blends, with Xarel lo from Catalonia, for example, being able to sit alongside Gamay from Puy-de-Dôme with the utmost naturalness. The wines are made using semicarbonic maceration, without the addition of chemical additives or excessive manipulation in the cellar. The house is also known for its very high-quality, vinous perries.
Magnum Régnié La Haute Ronze Red 2017
La Haute Ronze is one of two plots cultivated by Nicolas in the Régnié appellation; it is considered of very high quality, with deep clay soils that produce full-bodied wines. This 100% Gamay is obtained through semi-carbonic maceration and aged for approximately twenty months. It offers notes of leather, earth, and Mediterranean herbs (oregano, rosemary), through its red fruits.
Natural wine with no added sulfites.
Vin paillé Red 2012
Marie and Vincent Tricot
Marie and Vincent Tricot's Vin de paille is undoubtedly a curiosity: it's a sweet wine made from 100% Auvergne Gamay, entirely organic and natural, made like a Vin de paille from the Jura. The harvest is dried on straw in an attic before pressing. We're not used to Gamay vinified this way, or even red wine vinified this way.
It's an experiment, but the result more than justifies the boldness. Drying on straw concentrates the sugar in the grape berries and accentuates the flavors. Only a drop remains in each berry, but what a drop! Sweet, caressing, syrupy, complex, this Vin de paille is a delight. Its color is not a pure red but an amber, and the nose is a veritable basket of slightly jammy fruits: plum, prune, raisins, strawberry. It is possible that a refermentation takes place in the bottle, which can give a sparkling attack to this wine, but it disappears quickly. On the palate, a delicious sweetness, lots of strawberry and pleasantness. Very easy to drink.
To find out more
Among the generation of Auvergne winemakers who, at the dawn of the 21st century, are resurrecting the vineyards of this beautiful volcanic province of the Massif Central in organic and natural ways, Marie and Vincent Tricot are pioneers, and their name is well known to those who have long loved natural wine. After a varied winegrowing journey that took them from Beaujolais to Chile and from Chile to Costières-de-Nîmes, they landed in Auvergne, at the foot of the Puy de Dôme, in the commune of Orcet where they took over Claude Prugnard's vineyard, a land that had not seen the slightest chemical input for around thirty years. The estate is located on a hillside, on the left bank of the Allier, in a volcanic clay-limestone area neighboring the vineyards of Châteaugay, Chanturgue and Corent. They acquired it in 2003 and, since then, have been making wines from Auvergne Gamay, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with a little Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat. These rare and sought-after wines are mainly sold directly. They have a straight and flamboyant profile, and express themselves with as much character as simplicity.
Vin paillé Red 2012
Marie and Vincent Tricot
Marie and Vincent Tricot's Vin de paille is undoubtedly a curiosity: it's a sweet wine made from 100% Auvergne Gamay, entirely organic and natural, made like a Vin de paille from the Jura. The harvest is dried on straw in an attic before pressing. We're not used to Gamay vinified this way, or even red wine vinified this way.
It's an experiment, but the result more than justifies the boldness. Drying on straw concentrates the sugar in the grape berries and accentuates the flavors. Only a drop remains in each berry, but what a drop! Sweet, caressing, syrupy, complex, this Vin de paille is a delight. Its color is not a pure red but an amber, and the nose is a veritable basket of slightly jammy fruits: plum, prune, raisins, strawberry. It is possible that a refermentation takes place in the bottle, which can give a sparkling attack to this wine, but it disappears quickly. On the palate, a delicious sweetness, lots of strawberry and pleasantness. Very easy to drink.
To find out more
Among the generation of Auvergne winemakers who, at the dawn of the 21st century, are resurrecting the vineyards of this beautiful volcanic province of the Massif Central in organic and natural ways, Marie and Vincent Tricot are pioneers, and their name is well known to those who have long loved natural wine. After a varied winegrowing journey that took them from Beaujolais to Chile and from Chile to Costières-de-Nîmes, they landed in Auvergne, at the foot of the Puy de Dôme, in the commune of Orcet where they took over Claude Prugnard's vineyard, a land that had not seen the slightest chemical input for around thirty years. The estate is located on a hillside, on the left bank of the Allier, in a volcanic clay-limestone area neighboring the vineyards of Châteaugay, Chanturgue and Corent. They acquired it in 2003 and, since then, have been making wines from Auvergne Gamay, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with a little Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat. These rare and sought-after wines are mainly sold directly. They have a straight and flamboyant profile, and express themselves with as much character as simplicity.
Yeti Rouge 2024
La Tribu Alonso
The 2024 Yeti cuvée is a wine as atypical as its name, born in Beaujolais under the passionate impetus of the collective La Tribu Alonso. This 100% Gamay, or rather, should we say "100% Gamay diversity," brings together no fewer than 31 different varieties of this grape: Gamay teinturier, white, rosé, old clones, forgotten plants... A mosaic of grapes that reflects the richness of life and the free spirit of its winemakers.
The grapes are grown on granitic soils, without synthetic products, following a completely natural approach, even without certification. After a 5-day semi-carbonic maceration in fiber tanks, fermentation occurs thanks to indigenous yeasts, without oenological input. The wine is then aged for 12 months in concrete eggs, which brings roundness, energy, and balance, without woody masking.
The result? A vibrant and juicy red wine, with a light and brilliant color. The nose reveals crisp red fruits, a herbaceous touch, some sweet spices, and a peppery hint. On the palate, it is fluid, digestible, with a beautiful texture that remains fresh and elegant. A smooth Gamay, but never simplistic.
Yeti can be enjoyed as an aperitif, with artisanal charcuterie, lightly spiced dishes, or even grilled white meats. It's a wine of immediate pleasure, which appeals to both the curious and enlightened lovers of lively natural wines, to be drunk young or within 5 years.
Ambre dissous Red 2020
Terroir, plot size and grape varieties
Born in the vibrant Beaujolais region, La Tribu Alonso's 2020 Ambre Dissous is a distinctive red wine, a wine of character that breaks with established norms. While Gamay takes center stage, it is an uncommon Gamay, made from teinturier grapes – a rarity in the region. This bold choice results in a captivatingly deep color, almost cloudy like the ink of mystery, and already hints at a singular expression of the terroir.
The vineyard stretches across granite soils typical of Beaujolais, in an area where the influences of the nearby Rhône are felt, bringing darker, spicier notes and a welcome tension. It is a land of contrasts, between the freshness of the north and the generosity of the south, which La Tribu Alonso has managed to tame with rare sensitivity.
Cultivation methods
The Alonso Tribe is, above all, a philosophy. It's a return to the essentials, a work in symbiosis with nature, far removed from artifice. The vines are cultivated without chemical inputs, respecting living organisms, lunar cycles, and the energies of the land. Here, each bunch is hand-picked, in an almost ritualistic gesture, then vinified with minimal intervention. Fermentation occurs naturally, with indigenous yeasts taking the reins to best express the identity of the grape and its terroir.
This artisanal approach yields a free, vibrant, unadorned wine, where the grape variety can sing without a false note. Ambre Dissous is a reflection of nature embraced, sometimes wild, but always sincere.
Tasting & pairings
By the glass, Ambre Dissous 2020 immediately captivates with its deep, almost violet color, hinting at a wine with a strong character. The nose is a poem of spices: freshly ground black pepper, clove, with a delicate note of violet as a subtle reminder of Rhône influences. On the palate, the structure is assertive, the tannins present yet elegantly polished, offering a mouthfeel that is both firm and silky.
This wine is not meant to flatter; it challenges, questions, and invites contemplation. It can be enjoyed as an aperitif, to awaken the taste buds, or at the table, alongside a generous dish: a matured rib of beef, a lamb tagine with prunes, or even a wild mushroom risotto.
Ambre Dissous is a wine for sharing, but also for meditation. A bottle that tells a story, that of a marginalized grape variety, a reinvented terroir, and a tribe that, far from the beaten track, forges its own path with heart and conviction.
Fleurie Red 2021,
Domaine Bélicard
Within the Fleurie AOP appellation, renowned for its fine and elegant wines, Domaine Bélicard, certified organic (AB, Eurofeuille), produces a cuvée that expresses all the delicacy of Gamay Noir. Produced from 38-year-old vines rooted in granite soils, this 2021 vintage stands out for its freshness and tangy character.
A Fleurie of finesse and freshness
Vinified using the traditional Beaujolais method, with whole-bunch maceration, this wine benefits from gentle extraction, preserving all the purity of the fruit. The 10-month barrel aging brings complexity and elegance, while respecting the natural expression of the terroir.
A vibrant nose and an airy palate
Upon opening, this organic Fleurie reveals a fresh and delicious nose, marked by tangy notes of crisp red fruits, evoking raspberry and redcurrant. On the palate, the attack is lively and silky, offering a beautiful mineral tension and an elegant and persistent finish.
Served at 14-16°C, this Fleurie AOP is ideal for a refined aperitif, summer barbecues or a gourmet salad. Its freshness makes it a perfect companion for convivial moments, and its aging potential of 5 years will allow it to evolve towards even more subtle aromas.
Zapoï Rouge 2020
Les En Hauts
Rather gurgling but with substance, silky and velvety, dry and tangy, this delicious and indulgent wine offers a rather animal nose with notes of hay. On the palate, cherry, a lovely length, and a nice acidity. Zapoï, a cuvée from the Les En-Hauts project, is the result of the joint effort of winemakers Damien Coquelet and Frédéric Cossard. It comes from fifty-year-old Gamay vines growing in Beaujolais. It is the result of whole-bunch semicarbonic maceration, and is aged for ten months in concrete eggs.
The word "Zapoï" makes you think of Groland, obviously, but do you know the origin of the term? Zapoï is a Russian practice consisting of a binge lasting several days, the result of prolonged alcohol consumption. A proper zapoï should lead to a blackout (you don't remember anything), and regular awakenings where you get drunk again to avoid a hangover. In some cases, you wake up far from home in the snow. This scourge on life expectancy, fortunately, has only a very distant logical connection with the wine we are concerned with here. Let's just say that, presumably, the sound of the name appealed to the two winemakers.
Find out more
Les En-Hauts is not strictly speaking a wine estate but a project of vintages produced in partnership between Damien Coquelet and Frédéric Cossard. These two great figures of Burgundy viticulture—yes, Beaujolais is in Burgundy—had every reason to join forces to create colorful and flavorful vintages together.
Frédéric Cossard is a biodynamic and natural star of Burgundy winemaking, who gives voice to Burgundy's terroirs and wines, undeformed by agricultural chemicals. His vintages are pure and elegant without artifice and are among the most sought-after in Burgundy. His practice is not limited to Burgundy, as some vintages are made from grapes purchased in other regions. His vines are cared for according to the principles of biodynamics: homeopathic treatments based on essential oils, copper, and sulfur in minimal doses. The harvest is entirely manual, carried out at full maturity.
Damien Coquelet, for his part, is the worthy successor of the great organic winegrowers to whom we owe the advent of nature in the Beaujolais region: he is the son-in-law of Georges Descombes and Jean Foillard was his mentor, continuators of the pioneering work of Jules Chauvet and Marcel Lapierre. Owning nine hectares in Morgon on granite-sandy soils, he cultivates two and a half hectares plus a few leased vines: in all, four hectares on the legendary Côte du Py. A specialist in Morgons that Morgonnent and Chiroubles that Chiroublent, he embodies the true nature of Beaujolais.
With Antique Rouge 2023, La Tribu Alonso explores a rare and captivating facet of Gamay, far from classic profiles. This cuvée reveals a riper and more enveloping side of the grape variety, in a free and deeply artisanal interpretation, true to the estate's philosophy.
The vines are cultivated without chemical inputs, respecting natural balances. As always with La Tribu Alonso, no synthetic products are used, neither in the vineyard nor in the cellar. Fermentation relies exclusively on indigenous yeasts, and interventions are kept to a strict minimum to preserve the purest expression of the grape and the vintage.
In the glass, the color is a deep red with slightly evolved reflections, announcing a wine with a strong personality. The nose is rich and generous, marked by notes of caramel, dried fruits, and blond tobacco, almost evoking the world of oxidative wines or old vintages. This aromatic complexity immediately invites contemplation.
On the palate, the attack surprises with its syrupy, ample, and caressing texture. The wine unfurls a round, warm body, where flavors of candied fruit and sweet spices linger for a long time. The balance plays between sweetness and intensity, offering an experience that is both gourmet and structured, without heaviness.
Antique Rouge 2023 is particularly well suited for shared moments. It will uniquely accompany an aperitif, especially with aged cheeses or lightly spiced dishes. It will also enhance dishes with oriental flavors or bold cuisines, thanks to its enveloping roundness.
With this cuvée, La Tribu Alonso offers an atypical, sincere, and deeply expressive natural wine that will appeal to enthusiasts seeking new sensations.
With Art Brut Rouge 2024, La Tribu Alonso creates a unique and profoundly lively cuvée, a true manifesto of uncompromising natural wine. Crafted from a biocentric harmony of 140 co-fermented grape varieties, this wine is as intriguing as it is captivating, embodying a free and collective vision of wine, faithful to the estate's artisanal spirit.
The grapes, grown on granitic soils, draw out a subtle minerality that contributes to the wine's tension. Cultivated without synthetic products in the vineyard, the work fully respects natural balances. In the cellar, vinification is done without artifice, using only indigenous yeasts, and a gentle seven-day infusion in open vats, followed by a short maceration that preserves the fruit's brilliance and the aromas' finesse.
Upon tasting, the wine reveals a luminous red color with slightly hazy reflections, a hallmark of low-intervention wines. The nose opens with an expressive aromatic palette combining fresh citrus, crisp red berries, and a delicate, almost wild herbaceous touch. On the palate, the attack is supple and juicy, giving way to a round, floral, and surprisingly complex texture. The balance between freshness and depth results in a digestible, vibrant, and evolving wine.
This reinterpreted Gamay is suitable for simple pairings as well as more daring combinations. It will perfectly accompany seasonal cuisine, grilled vegetables, roasted poultry, or vegetarian dishes with fresh herbs.
Art Brut Rouge 2024 is an invitation to explore wine differently, in all its spontaneity and raw energy.
Côte de Brouilly 2022
Son of Jean Foillard, Alex skillfully carries on the family philosophy while asserting his own style. Having been established for several years, he cultivates his vines with the same respect for living organisms, in pursuit of precision, pure fruit, and drinkability. His vision: natural, profound, yet always accessible Beaujolais crus.
Côte de Brouilly 2022 comes from hillside vines on the volcanic slopes of Mont Brouilly. This cuvée, with its straight and chiseled profile, accurately expresses the mineral freshness characteristic of this terroir. It is a wine of altitude and relief, taut, vibrant, and already very expressive.
On the nose, aromas of blueberry, violet, and warm stone blend elegantly. On the palate, the tension is immediate, carried by a beautiful freshness, fine tannins, and a saline finish. A structured wine, yet very drinkable, maintaining an ethereal touch.
Ideal with grilled meat, herb-crusted poultry fillet, or oven-roasted vegetables. It also pairs wonderfully with lightly spiced Asian cuisine. Serve slightly chilled to reveal all its finesse.
Brouilly 2022
With sensitivity and rigor, Alex Foillard is carving his own path in Beaujolais, while drawing inspiration from his father's exacting standards. He crafts fresh, low-intervention wines where the fruit expresses itself freely. A winemaker to watch closely.
Brouilly 2022 is a delightful and charming cuvée, stemming from the deeper soils of this southern Beaujolais cru. Less austere than Côte de Brouilly, it is more supple, generous, with vibrant fruit. A wine for pleasure, spontaneous and full of vivacity.
The nose explodes with wild strawberry, fresh cherry, and a slight peppery touch. On the palate, the wine is supple, crunchy, juicy, with a silky texture and a refreshing finish. A bottle that radiates youth and deliciousness.
Perfect as an aperitif, with a charcuterie board or a savory tart. It will also pair very well with a carpaccio, a summer barbecue, or a lentil salad. To be enjoyed without fuss, for the pure pleasure of the fruit.
Fleurie, Red 2020
Domaine Bélicard
Among the ten Beaujolais crus, Fleurie is undoubtedly the most ethereal, the most floral, and Domaine Bélicard offers a natural and elegant interpretation here. This 100% Gamay Noir, organically certified, grows on the granitic slopes of the cru, which give this wine remarkable mineral finesse.
Gentle winemaking for a delicate wine
The grapes, picked at perfect ripeness, undergo a short maceration of a few days to extract just enough matter without harshness. Fermentation occurs naturally, without exogenous yeasts or additives. The six-month aging takes place in barrels that have held several wines (not new), bringing complexity and suppleness without masking the fruit.
A Fleurie of character with finesse
The nose is expressive, featuring fresh red fruits, violet, and a subtle spicy touch. On the palate, the texture is fine, the structure supple yet present, with a mineral tension that lengthens the finish. The style is silky, digestible, almost floral, but without mawkishness – a straightforward, vibrant, and well-balanced Fleurie.
To enjoy now or to cellar
Served between 14 and 16 °C, this wine will pair equally well with a refined aperitif or light, vegetable-based cuisine. It will also shine with roasted poultry or delicate festive dishes. Drink now or cellar for up to 5 years.
Ichigo Ichie Red 2022,
Ichigo Ichie is an organic and natural red-rosé wine (a "blouge" we would say) from the Rhône Valley (Ardèche, Saint-Joseph terroir) certified organic by Écocert. It is produced by Paul Estève and Chrystelle Vareille of Domaine des Miquettes, and the name of the cuvée pays tribute to one of their Japanese collaborators who recently passed away. The expression ichigo ichie means "a unique moment in life."
Vinification
Made without additives or added sulfites, unfiltered, Ichigo Ichie is a blend of all the grape varieties grown on the estate: Gamay, Marsanne, Roussanne, Syrah and Viognier, on granite and loess soils. This organic and natural wine from the Rhône Valley is aged for one year in vats.
Tasting
Ichigo Ichie can be consumed as a light red or a full-bodied rosé; its exotic notes are very seductive. It is recommended to drink it chilled. This additive-free wine will accompany all products from the land and the sea. Other "blouges", if you appreciate this type of rosé which leans towards red (or the other way around), can be discovered on our site: Susucaru Rosato from Frank Cornelissen, a classic from Etna, or L’Arroseur by Vinilibre.
Learn more about Domaine des Miquettes
Domaine des Miquettes, in the Saint-Joseph appellation (Ardèche), is run by Paul Estève and Chrystelle Vareille, who are passionate about Georgian winemaking techniques. At the heart of this centuries-old viticulture is the kvevri, the buried jar where the entire winemaking process takes place. They also have unburied tinajas (Spanish jars) for fermentation and maceration, while kvevris are used for aging. No sulfites are added to the wines of Domaine des Miquettes. The astringency of the tannins is polished by the terracotta, which produces a velvety texture, a fruity and supple substance.
The Estate
Paul Estève learned his trade from René-Jean Dard and François Ribo, two great figures of natural wine in the Rhône Valley. With Chrystelle, he gradually rebuilt the family estate until it reached 4.3 hectares. The plots, located between 300 and 450 meters above sea level, rest on a granite base with light mica and gneiss soils. The agriculture is organic (Ecocert certification) and biodynamic. The soils are worked by horse or winch and pickaxe, and the harvest is manual. No chemical inputs are added to the vineyard work and winemaking.
Magnum Les Vignes de Jeannot Red 2017
This red wine from the Beaujolais-Villages appellation (of course, 100% Gamay), offering a more than reasonable price-quality ratio, comes from old vines that belonged to Jean Chemarin, ancestor of our current winemaker: hence the name on the label. A freshness that is explained by the altitude of the plot (450 meters). This wine has undergone two years of aging, half in vats and the other half in Burgundy barrels. He is charming, captivating, fruity, with beautiful notes of strawberry.
Find out more
Nicolas Chemarin, nicknamed "P'tit Grobis" as a resident of Marchampt (Beaujolais), is the fourth generation of winemaker on his family wine estate in the Beaujolais-Villages appellation, on a land full of stones where he crafts wines of surprising depth and sincerity. In 2005, he took over two hectares of vines from his father and in 2006 he signed his first vintages. In 2008, he acquired other vines and decided to devote himself solely to his estate, whose terroir, very steep, consists of rocky and poor soils on a gray granite rock. The vines rest on the bedrock through very thin soil, and their roots plunge deep into the rock. Depending on the soil configuration, the vines are pruned in goblet or raised on stakes. Their average age is eighty years. The grape varieties, Gamay and Chardonnay, are classically Beaujolais. Nicolas also cultivates two other terroirs in the Régnié appellation: Les Bullats, with light, filtering sandy soils, and La Haute Ronze, very close to Morgon, whose deeper, clayey soils produce full-bodied wines. The vintages undergo long macerations (from 18 to 30 days) with punching down and temperature control (Nicolas works cold, around 20°C). Aging is partially done in temperature-controlled concrete vats for a third, the remaining two-thirds being spent in barrels of four to ten wines to provide oxygenation but little or no oaky sensation. Nicolas Chemarin is already well known in the natural world for his sweet and fruity vintages, pleasure wines, and for vintages from difficult and magnificent terroirs, with admirable and complex mineral, aromatic and spicy notes.
Magnum Le Rocher Red 2017
Le Rocher is made from Beaujolais Gamay grapes grown in the Combe Fleurette area, at an altitude of 550 meters and on an average 40% slope, facing south, on a plot of blue granite with very shallow soil. The 25-year-old vines rest on a rocky outcrop. The harvest is left to vat for 40 days in whole bunches with regular turning. After pressing, the young wine is aged on fine lees in Burgundy oak barrels. Bottling is done in the waning moon, without fining or filtration. This infinitely silky and delicious red, very mineral and very straight, will accompany meats in sauce, noble fish and even chocolate desserts.
Tasting temperature: between 14 and 16 °C.
Natural wine without added sulfites.
