Dominique Piron Brouilly Domaine Combiaty 2009

Dominique Piron
Brouilly Domaine Combiaty 2009
Beaujolais, France
$23-26 +142836 available at BC Liquor Stores & Select Private Retailers

www.domaines-piron.fr

I was pleasantly plussed to see this light red named Best of Show in Vancouver Magazine’s annual ranking of the top 100 Value Wines in our market. Tasted blind by a respected panel of sharp palates, this French Gamay came out on top, a victory for the graceful and slight wines of the world. For many people Gamay = Beaujolais Nouveau = gum drop frivolity. But Gamay is not even nearly all about gum drops. Cru Beaujolais, the highest classification category, are reserved for ten outstanding villages/areas in the region, generally those with an abundance of granite soils (Gamay loves Granite). You typically won’t even see “Beaujolais” on the label of these wines – an attempt to separate themselves from mass-produced Nouveau. Cru Beaujolais wines vary from area to area, but in general, they are fuller bodied, darker, and with significantly longer aging potential.

Domaines Piron is managed by 14^th generation winemaker Dominique Piron and his wife Kristine Mary. Their company produces Beaujolais, Beaujolais-Villages, Régnié, Brouilly, Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie, Chénas, Beaujolais Nouveau and Bourgogne Blanc, controlling 60 hectares of vines. This particular wine is from Brouilly [broo-EE], the largest in area and typically the most fruit-forward of the ten Cru Beaujolais wines. 2009 was an outstanding vintage in Beaujolais, and I highly recommend seeking out Cru wines for the cellar. This wine is about subtlety and purity – gentle raspberry, delicate floral and dusty granite aromas lead to bright notes of cranberry, minerality and dried meats. Easy fruit, light tannins and moderate alcohol make this a delight to drink, and it would make a fantastic accompaniment to the turkey decked holiday table. I hope the Van Mag’s crowning of this charming Gamay leads more people to attempt drinking poise over power.

Rating:  (click here to see what our wine ratings mean)

EATrecommends

Dominique Piron Brouilly Domaine Combiaty 2009

2009 was an outstanding vintage in Beaujolais, and I highly recommend seeking out Cru wines for the cellar. This wine is about subtlety and purity – gentle raspberry, delicate floral and dusty granite aromas lead to bright notes of cranberry, minerality and dried meats. Easy fruit, light tannins and alcohol make this a delight to drink, and this would make a fantastic accompaniment to the turkey decked holiday table.