Domaine Thillardon Chenas Les Blemonts 2022

Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in the heart of the Chénas appellation, the young Domaine Thillardon, founded in 2008, is already regarded as one of the best estates in Beaujolais. The Thillardon brothers manage the approximately 12.5 hectares of vineyard organically and produce terroir-based, deep, and mineral wines of excellent quality. The Chenas Les Blemonts red is a single-plot cuvée made from Gamay grapes sourced from the Les Blémonts site. Here, the vines, planted on a clay terroir with the presence of manganese, enjoy a southern exposure. After whole-bunch vinification and a period of cold maceration, the finished wine is aged for a year in old vats and barrels. This splendid Gamay is a pure expression of its terroir with a round and delicate character. Its aromatic profile is fragrant with floral and small red fruit notes and some mineral hints in the background. On the palate it is silky and elegant, with a light-medium body and a pleasant acidic vein. The finish is soft and persistent and recalls slightly gamey notes. It’s a must-try with roast pigeon or pork filet served with mushroom sauce.

Price: £21.98 from 8wines UK