Amphores 2023 Vin de France Mornen Noir

And now for something completely different... While tasting at Domaine des Amphores with Philippe and Véronique Grenier a few years ago, we noticed a small barrel with "Mornen Noir" scrawled on the front in chalk. A grape apparently native to the area between the Rhone and Loire rivers south of Lyon, it had been grown by Philippe's grandfather Louis - now the Greniers and a few other growers in Chavanay are once again making wine from this ancient variety. Possibly related to Chasselas and/or Mondeuse, the grapes yield a bright vibrant wine with black fruit flavors and low alcohol. The 2023 is fascinating, showing vibrant aromas of blackberry and blueberry with violet and stone. The palate is a bit lighter than a Syrah (Alc. is 11.5%), and very mineral, with bright flavors of blueberries and earth. Guaranteed to stump your sommelier friends in a blind tasting!