Jean Maupertuis 2023 Les Pierres Noires
Les Pierre Noires is named after the dark stones found mixed into the soil of this vineyard, which sits at the foot of a volcano. The vines here are 80-100 years old. 90% Gamay/10% Noirfleurien (a rare local grape variety). Half of the grapes are destemmed, wine undergoes partial semi-carbonic maceration, and is aged in old barrels. All the character of Gamay D'Auvergne is here, along with the nuance from Basalt-rich volcanic soils. There's a really very appealing depth and darkness to this wine. On the nose, black plum and charred herbs are very present, and the palate is long and dark but buoyed by semi-carbonic lift. The sort of wine I can imagine drinking equally at a winebar in mid-January with cow's cheeses or with roasted meats and olives in the warmth of summer.