Bonnefoy 2023 Cotes de Forez "La Madone"
The Gilles Bonnefoy "Gamay sur Vulcan" is from 15 to 30 year-old vines, 50% on basalt soils, 50% on granit/clay soils on the slopes of an ancient volcano. Certified organic and Biodynamic. (the Cotes de Forez is in the upper Loire valley, west of Lyon, producing primarily red wines from different varieties of Gamay) Hand harvested with low yields, the grapes are de-stemmed and undergo a short fermentation with native yeasts. The wine is lightly filtered and bottled with minimal SO2. The color is a warm purple, with lighter violet edges. Nose is plush red and black berries, a minerally smoke, black tea, with herbal notes. Palate has tart cherries and plums, a flash of limestone, and a hint of rich, woodsy earth develops on a long, engaging finish. The wine's structure, crisp but juicy, makes it incredibly drinkable. Complex and fresh, serve with a slight chill, and drink this summer!