Pierre-Marie Chermette Beaujolais Les Griottes 2022

Description

“From his base in southern Beaujolais, Pierre Chermette has become one of the beacons of Beaujolais quality…” David Schildknecht, Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, August 2008

“Few Beaujolais growers are in a position to pronounce on the region’s different terroirs with the authority of the affable Pierre Chermette…” Andrew Jefford, The New France

Owners Pierre-Marie and Martine Chermette (formerly known as Domaine du Vissoux) were the first to embrace sustainable agricultural practices in Beaujolais. Cru beaujolais is a remarkable medium bodied red made from the Gamay grape, fragrant and juicy with succulence, depth and savoury length.  They are the top rated Beaujolais producer in leading French guide, “Les Meilleurs Vins de France”.

Les Griottes means ‘the small cherries’ in reference to the grove of cherry trees that flank the vineyard. Chermette’s entry-level Beaujolais is drawn from 30- to 40-year-old vines grown on dark granite soils around the homestead in Saint-Vérand (in southern Beaujolais). The winemaking has remained unchanged for decades, with traditional whole-bunch, semi-carbonic fermentation in concrete tanks and then maturation in both tank and old oak casks still the order of the day.

As opposed to his age-worthy Crus from Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie et al, Chermette’s aim here is to produce something light-to medium-bodied, bright and cherry-fruited with reach-for-another-glass charm. The nose is so exuberant you could be tasting out of barrel, flush with lip-smacking wild-plum fruit flecked by violet florals. The palate tells the same delicious story through waves of vibrant and tangy berries and cherrystone fruit. Love at first sip! There is a strong argument to say this is the best Griottes we’ve seen. As always, it is a delicious, moreish wine and fabulous value.

91 points, Kasia Sobiesiak, The Wine Front “The perfume fills up the nostrils. It smells good. Appetising. Bright cherry, sweet orange, raspberries. They are on the firm side, crunchy, fresh. Damp earth and violets lay underneath. Then chewy texture with wet clay tannins fills the mouth. It’s just pure cherry juice that makes for an excellent thirst quencher and I’m pretty sure it’s also good for your health.”

RRP $44  Our Special Price $35.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine