Clos de Roilette - Summer Reds Part 1

It’s incredibly hot and humid in the Rhode Island at this time of year. When it’s hot out, open something cool. Many go for a white or rosé wine - today it’s time for a chilled RED - yes Red! Lightly chilled for 20-30 minutes is all you need. One exceptional example of a summer red is a Beaujolais (made from 100% Gamay grapes) from Beaujolais, France. Beaujolais is located just south of Burgundy. There are 8 appellations in this region. One of the most well known appellations is Fleurie, known for it’s elegant, feminine and finesse wines.

Clos de Roilette has an interesting history. The vineyard was located on the borders of Moulin À Vent region. In the 1920s when the Fleurie appellation was first created, the former landowner was infuriated with losing the Moulin-à-Vent appellation under which the estate had previously been classified. In retaliation he labeled the wine with a picture of his horse named Roilette and left out any mention of the appellation name Fleurie. Many years later in the 1960s the poorly managed estate was purchased by Fernand Coudert. He and later his son Alain turned the vineyard and the wines into greatness.

The vineyard faces east towards Moulin À Vent. The soils are mineral rich with manganese granite and clay, which contribute to the minerality and fruit richness of the wine. The grapes are sustainably farmed, hand harvested, fermented whole bunches in temperature control neutral vats with the use of native yeasts. Semi-carbonic maceration is done for 14 days and then aged the wine in large oak foudres. Semi-carbonic maceration is a winemaking process that is popular in Beaujolais which extracts light color, very fruity flavors and soft tannin.

The wine has a deep purple ruby color. The nose is a fresh bouquet of violets, peonies and raspberries. The palate is an explosion of red fruits- cherries and raspberries, floral anise, cinnamon, peonies and violets. It’s lovely perfume, fruit and lively energy are a true expression of the Gamay grape and a quality Beaujolais wine.

Video review available at Instagram: Clos de Roilette 2018

Pair with soft cheeses, pink fish such as salmon or tuna, rich shellfish such as crab cakes or a New England lobster roll.