Description
100% Gamay. “Cuvée Christie” is an exception among Roilette estate wines in a few ways. It is the newest bottling, the first vintage having been in 1999. The vines are “young” for Roilette, mainly in the 30-40-year range. They are not part of the original Clos de la Roilette vineyard and thus, more crucially, have more typical Fleurie soils vs. the Roilette’s, with more granite than clay or manganese. Because these two parcels are outside the Clos, the label is different as well, featuring the Coudert family name instead of “Clos de la Roilette”. The wine’s name originally was “Christal”, a playful combination of Alain Coudert’s kids’ names (Alexis + Christie); it changed to today’s “Cuvéee Christie” after a well-known Champagne house sued over the use of “Christal”.
All of that said, Cuvée Christie follows suit with the other Roilette wines. The farming is sustainable and all vineyard work is by handVinification is traditional, semi-carbonic Beaujolais style. The whole clusters are harvested by hand and fermented spontaneously with native yeasts in open-top concrete tank. Maceration is the shortest of all at around 10 days, with a submerged cap rather than punchdowns. Sulfur use is quite minimal. The wine is aged in large, old oak foudres for about 9 months before bottling.
- Country: France
- Region: Burgundy
- Appellation: Beaujolais
- Sub Appellation: Fleurie
- Size: 750ml
- Color: Red
Varietal
Gamay
Gamay, a red grape varietal primarily associated with Beaujolais in France, is celebrated for its vibrant and approachable character. What makes Gamay unique is its immediate charm and versatility, offering wines that are light-bodied yet bursting with flavor. Known for its low tannins and high acidity, Gamay wines are exceptionally food-friendly and often enjoyed slightly chilled.
The grape expresses red fruit flavors such as cherry, raspberry, and sometimes a subtle hint of banana. Beaujolais Nouveau, a young and fruity style of wine released just weeks after harvest, exemplifies Gamay’s exuberant nature. Beaujolais Crus, like Morgon and Fleurie, showcase the grape’s ability to produce wines with depth and complexity.
Gamay’s allure lies in its quaffable and joyous character, making it a favorite for those seeking easy-drinking reds. The varietal’s adaptability to various winemaking styles and its delightful expression of fruit-forward characteristics contribute to its popularity, offering wine enthusiasts an accessible and delightful entry into the world of red wines.
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