Trenel, Chiroubles 2009, France
The 2009 vintage was a stand-out success in the Beaujolais region of France. This Chiroubles – one of the Beaujolais top villages – comes from 40 – 50-year-old vineyards planted at altitude. It has no oak influence, save for part of the wine that was aged in very old, large casks. The colour is a striking, brilliant magenta and the nose offers quite complex aromas with cherry and kirsch, some little red liquorice notes, leafy, brackeny qualities and an earthy freshness. On the palate it is smooth and dry, with that elegant and slightly tart cherry and plum-skin fruit playing against some real fruit sweetness, a hint of chocolaty depth and that fresh, mouth-watering core of acidity and sappy, lightly herbal flavour. Delicious and expressive Gamay that contrast hugely with formulaic Cabernets and Syrahs that could come from anywhere. 9.50, The Wine Society. See all stockists on .
