Winery: Château de la Terrière
Region: Beaujolais
Locale: Cercié, France
Appellation:  Brouilly
Designation: AOC

In a few words: Beautifully dynamic and complex.

Site: The vines grow in the area known as "Le Moulin" at the foot of the prestigious Moulin-à-Vent, famous for the magnesium in its soils. On a sandy surface of shallow pink granite, the vines draw nourishment directly from the bedrock. It is one of the most prestigious localities in the appellation. Average vine age is over 50 years.

Grapes: 100% Gamay noir. Manual harvest and grape box picking enable complete respect as well as a rigorous sorting of the grapes.

Fermentation and Aging: Following the Burgundian tradition, the grapes are de-stemmed before being put into vats. This is followed by a very slow fermentation which is induced by indigenous yeast which starts at a low temperature. The maceration period is very long (about 25 days) in order to optimize the extraction of the colors and the tannins. Aged for 9 to 12 months in 2 to 5-year-old oak barrels. The wine is filtered slightly to preserve its full complexity

Notes: About 10,000 bottles produced - this wine is absolutely fantastic. The nose is complex and robust with aromas of cherry and slightly roasted blackberries. On the palate the wine is full of energy, complex with good length and notes of coffee and licorice. Pairs beautifully with red meat and game, as well as cheese, chestnuts, mushrooms and squash. Should improve in the cellar over about 10 years. First vintage was 2003.