Les Cardinaux Cote de Brouilly 2022

This wine was featured in our February 2023 wine club.

Préface was hand-harvested from the lieu-dit (small plot of land) “les Berthaudieres" and sorted in the vineyard, and again in the cellar. The grapes were transferred via gravity into concrete vats, where 2/3rds went on to age, and another 1/3rd aged in barrel.

It’s elegant and medium-bodied, with lots of crunchy fruit and black pepper on the nose and palate. Winemaker Thibault Poisson describes it this way and offers these pairing suggestions: “the Gamay from "Les Cardinaux" is a wine marked by peppery notes. It’s a great wine to drink just by itself to start the appetizer. However, it will perfectly accompany your poultry (roasted chicken and duck) and should compliment the pan-fried duck breast as well as grilled pork, lamb and veal. We could also accompany it with a tagine or Asian dishes. Its freshness makes it a good pairing for vegetarian meals and spring salads.”

Côte de Brouilly represents 320ha of very steep vineyards and vine-covered hills, most of which face north. An ancient underwater volcano generated an assortment of rocks and soils that allow the vine roots to plunge deep in search of nutrients. The wines are elegant and finessed, with spicy, floral notes and are capable of aging.