We often joke that inhabitants of the Beaujolais consider themselves Burgundian, but that the rest of Burgundy isn’t quite as sure. And while differences between the two halves abound — grape varietal, soil type, landscape, etc. — they share a tradition and style as well.
We call today’s wine “Red Burgundy” intentionally. The grape may be gamay and the zip code may be Juliénas, but this wine exhibits many of the characteristics of our favorite Pinot Noirs. It’s a combination of old vines (planted in the 1940s), expert craftsmanship, Burgundian style elevage. At the price, this could easily become your new house red Burgundy.
We’re featuring several new reds from Beaujolais in our July Futures issue, out next weekend. But this one was a favorite, so we’re opening up the bidding early.
The Domaine Perrachon has made wine in Juliénas since the 1870s. Today we’re enthusiastically suggesting their 2015 Julénas “Clos des Chers.” It’s as serious and sophisticated a Beaujolais as we’ve ever had. Made from south facing vines and raised in large 500L barrels, it marries the jubilant spirit of the Beaujolais with a bit of polish from further north.
This wine is exceptionally pretty, with dark blue fruits, violets, and cool earth in the nose; the mouth is long and intense, with beautiful texture and notes of baked blueberries and roses. Burghound called it “exceptionally pretty,” “rich,” and “caressing,” predicting “it could easily enjoyed now [but] there is plenty of upside development potential.”
We’re hard pressed to find a better value in Burgundy today. It’s not from a fancy town or a “noble” grape, but this is true red Burgundy at a remarkably friendly price.
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Perrachon Juliénas “Clos des Chers” 2015
Ansonia Retail: $300
Futures Price : $235/case
AVAILABLE BY THE CASE AND HALF-CASE