2016 Ch Pierre-Bise Rouannieres Anjou Gamay Villages, Loire Valley

Pierre Bise Rouannières Anjou Gamay Villages is one of the Loire Valley’s great hidden gems, coming from old Gamay vines planted on the dark schist and volcanic soils of the Anjou Noir zone near the Layon River. These warm, free draining soils give Gamay far more depth and structure than in many other regions, while still preserving the bright, juicy fruit that makes the grape so irresistible. Domaine Bise, now led by Florent Bise, has a long reputation for meticulous vineyard work and gentle, terroir driven winemaking, producing wines that feel honest, vibrant and deeply connected to their place.

The wine is a vivid ruby red, opening with aromas of wild strawberry, red cherry, crushed raspberry and a touch of violet, layered with subtle spice and a faint earthy, smoky note from the schist soils. On the palate it is fresh and energetic yet surprisingly serious, delivering crunchy red fruits, fine tannins and a savoury mineral edge that gives the wine real grip and length. It is a brilliant match for charcuterie, roast chicken, grilled pork and mushroom dishes, and it also has the balance to age for five to seven years, picking up more earthy and spicy complexity as it evolves.