Domaine Lafarge Vial Cote de Brouilly 2021

This medium-bodied wine has a deep character that evolves beautifully with time in the glass. Once it opens, bold notes of dark berries and hints of exotic spices emerge. It has a bit more structure than the Fleurie, offering a rich yet lively profile with layers of depth and freshness.

This small, steep vineyard of just 0.66 ha (1.63 acres) on Mont Brouilly's southeast-facing slopes is home to old Gamay vines planted in 1968. With granite and blue rock soils, the parcel is worked entirely by hand and horse due to its slope, following organic and biodynamic principles (certification pending). 25% whole clusters were used for vinification, with fermentation initiated by indigenous yeasts in concrete tanks. Extraction is done through a mix of punch-downs and pump-overs, depending on the vintage. The wine is aged for one year in older 228 and 350-liter barrels, with racking in the spring.