The Best of Beaujolais

Those of you who have been with us for a while, know that we have extolled the virtues of Jean-Claude Lapalu’s genius many times before. Indeed, Jean-Claude’s consistency over many decades has undoubtedly established him as one of the most respected winemakers in Beaujolais. Colloquially referred to as ‘The Boss of Brouilly’, he (amongst a select few other domaines) has been a major player in helping to restore the tarnished reputation of the region post the Beaujolais Noveau boom of the 90’s. He confidently and unassumingly goes about his business, producing a consistent stream of world class wines that showcasing the full potential of Gamay, and of the region.

The boom of Beaujolais Noveau, led to the overuse of chemicals and pesticides in vineyards all over the region, in order to consistently produce a homogenised and simple style of wine. However, this scouring of the vineyards, left the land and the wines lifeless and without identity, or soul. Since the late 90’s Jean has led the charge in naturalistic winemaking in Beaujolais, revolting against this homogenisation of the incredible terroir found in his homeland. Following strictly organic and many biodynamic practises, Jean Claude’s wines have soul, life and focus like few you will come across anywhere! He also massively restricts the use of sulfur which further imbues the wines with an energy and life that is so hard to describe, but undeniable when you taste it. As we have unabashedly proclaimed many times in the past, Jean-Claude’s whole range is remarkable and ‘must drinks’ for any serious red wine lover. However, today we would like to highlight a new addition to our portfolio from Jean, a wine that has to be tasted to be believed, the intoxicating 2020 Beaujolais Villages ‘Le Rang de Merle’.

Now this cannot be understated… this is NOT classic Beaujolais. This is Gamay as few will have tasted it. This highly unique cuvée should pique the interest of even the most dogged wine enthusiast, however if you are a fan of Gamay, then this is certainly not to be missed! Named ‘Le Rang du Merle’, or ‘Row of the Blackbird’, due to their tendency to be seen happily grazing on the grapes from this particular parcel come harvest time. The grapes from the 90-year-old Gamay vines are left to raisin and over-mature for up to 5 weeks post-harvest, concentrating the flavours and resulting in a wine that is gloriously dense and rich. The nose is chock full of a beautiful range of pure and ripe confit like red and black fruits; raspberries, black cherries and plums and punctuated with some sweet cooking spices. The medium/ full bodied palate delivers on the promise of the nose and then some, with supple and smooth tannins, surrounded by a core of very dark and pure berry and cherry fruits, jams and spices and accompanied by stoney and flinty notes from the granite soils. It is intense and concentrated but the balance of tension and release, weight and levity is sublime. This is one of the finest examples of Beaujolais you will come across. I wouldn’t hesitate pairing this with a juicy cut of red meat, a variety of creamy and cheese plates or seriously spicy dishes, something Asian and exotic. Jean-Claude believes his wines really sing when drunk at a temperature of around 15°, so make sure to store these somewhere cool. Also don’t be put off by the ‘Beaujolais’ title, this is a serious wine and can only benefit from a little decanting and time to breath.

To help spread the joy, the 2020 ‘Le Rang de Merle’ is on at a special offer case price for one week only! It is available by the bottle or as a case of six via the link below.

Bottle Price - £35.80

Case of Six Regular Retail Price - £204.07

Offer Price - £182.95