Vins de la Madone Côtes du Forez Migmatite 2022

Vins de la Madone Côtes du Forez Migmatite is a Gamay from a fifty-year-old parcel on migmatite, a rock type covering only about twenty-five hectares of the appellation's plantings.

The Côtes du Forez sits at the far south-western edge of the Loire, on the volcanic and metamorphic hills above Montbrison, and Gamay is the only permitted variety. Gilles Bonnefoy works here as Vins de la Madone, and this cuvée comes from the Migmatites du Montbrison: granite overlaid with sand and clay mixed with migmatite, a rock formed under both igneous and metamorphic conditions. The soil is usually associated with lighter wines, but yields of only 25 hectolitres per hectare give this one more substance than the reputation suggests. The fruit is hand-harvested and fermented as whole clusters by semi-carbonic maceration in the Beaujolais manner, using native yeasts. Ageing takes place in stainless steel cuve, and the wine is bottled with minimal sulphur, keeping the emphasis on crunchy fruit and the site's characteristic peppery, smoky edge.

Drink over the next three to five years, and do not be afraid of a light chill. Serve at 14-16°C with charcuterie, roast duck or grilled mushrooms.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.