Light Reds from France Mixed Case

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With the arrival of warmer weather, we are starting to seek out lighter, fresh and fruity reds that can be easily enjoyed in the summer sunshine!  This Light Reds from France Mixed Case includes three fantastic examples, all from regions of France. Start off in the up and coming Côtes d’Auvergne, which is fast gaining recognition due to its unique volcanic soil structure.  

2018 Puy de Dôme Pinot Noir, Côtes d’Auvergne

Straddling 400ha of sunbathed hillside designated “Côtes d’Auvergne”, the vineyards of this region extend 80km from north to south along the Puys mountains.  Auvergne wines are noted for their superb minerality and freshness which comes from the volcanic ash, lava and basalt deposits in the soils.  This 100% Pinot Noir is made by the only co-operative in the region, Desprat Saint-Verny, which has access to plots in some of the best volcanic vineyard sites.  The grapes are hand-harvested and a traditional vinification with a short maceration follows.  Light and fresh with hints of cherry, spice and a little mocha, elegant mouthfeel.   Great to serve with a charcuterie platter, tapas or a good old fashioned barbecue!

2017 Domaine des Marrans Chiroubles Vieilles Vignes, Beaujolais

This family-run Domaine is situated in Fleurie, in the heart of Beaujolais, some 50km north of Lyon. Founded in 1970, the current proprietor is young, talented Mathieu Mélinand, who joined the family Domaine in 2008.  Chiroubles tends to be the lightest bodied of the crus, as it lies at the highest elevation with therefore the coolest temperatures.  Made from 100% Gamay, the grapes are taken from two plots,  “Les Côtes” and “Crozet”, which lie on very well-exposed slopes, with rough stony granite soils, the vines are around 50 years old.  At optimum ripeness grapes are hand-harvested, then undergo a traditional 10-day carbonic maceration, followed by 10 months in oak prior to bottling.  Deep red in colour with a powerful nose bursting with black cherries and very ripe fruits.  A versatile wine to enjoy with terrines, poultry, grilled meat, charcuterie and goats cheese.

2017 Domaine des Marrans Fleurie Clos du Pavilion, Beaujolais

Fleurie is made from 100% Gamay and the grapes for this wine are grown in the south-facing” Le Pavilon” vineyard, at around 310m above sea-level, on rose quartz soils typical for the area.  Vines are goblet trained and are on average 70 years old.  Hand-harvested, with semi-carbonic maceration, the wine spends 18 months in oak barrels before being bottled without filtering.  With fresh red fruit notes and the smallest hint of violets, this wine displays why the Fleurie cru is known as the “prettiest of the crus”, very delicate!   Perfect with lamb or goats cheese.

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