Vignes du Maynes 2022 Macon Rouge "Massale Selection"

Julien Guillot at the Clos des Vignes du Maynes makes this Mâcon Rouge from many different old varieties of Gamay, including Gamay "teinturiers" with thick skins and dark juice, with no added SO2. The vines are 30 to 80 years old, in organic farming on soils of clay and limestone. Semi-carbonic maceration, 18 months of ageing in large tronconic wooden vats. The 2022 shows a deep red color with aromas of blackberry, tart cherry, srawberry, black pepper, roast meat, fennel, citrus peel, violet... The palate is ripe and elegant with citrusy black fruits, earth and mineral flavors, chalky and long. "This wine is indestructible" says Julien, and it's obviously built to last. Serve with a farm chicken in sauce, and decant or open in advance, but best to cellar for five or ten years. 13.5% alcohol.