2023 Chateau des Tours AOC Brouilly, Beaujolais

Black cherry, black plum, violet blossom and dried red cherry aromas fill the nose followed by Alpine strawberry and whisps of hibiscus. The palate begins with savory, herbal notes that quickly resolve into black fruit that lifts and carries the finish. Classic Brouilly.

92 points wineenthusiast.com

Château des Tours AOC Brouilly is a beautifully vibrant, fruit driven and quietly structured Beaujolais crafted from old vine Gamay grown on the sunlit slopes around Odenas, where pink granite, sand and pockets of volcanic rock give the wine its lifted perfume and fine mineral line. The château has a long history in the region and works its vineyards with traditional care: low intervention farming, hand picking, whole bunch or semi carbonic fermentation depending on the parcel, and gentle ageing in concrete or large, neutral vessels. The aim is purity and energy rather than weight, allowing Brouilly’s naturally generous, juicy style to shine while keeping a thread of savoury complexity.

The aromas are bright and inviting, opening with wild strawberry, raspberry and red cherry alongside violets, cranberry, pomegranate, and a light peppery lift. Subtle notes of rose stem, warm earth, crushed granite and a hint of sweet spice sit beneath the fruit, giving the wine its sense of place. As the wine breathes, hints of blood orange, dried herbs and faint nectarine skin add extra nuance.

On the palate the wine is supple, juicy and wonderfully drinkable, with Gamay’s signature freshness guiding each sip. Red berry flavours glide across fine, lightly grippy tannins, supported by lively acidity that keeps everything crisp and energetic. Cherry, raspberry, plum skin and subtle spice build into a long, mouthwatering finish with a gentle mineral echo. It drinks beautifully young but will gain earthy detail over the next three to five years.

Perfect with charcuterie, roast chicken, grilled salmon, mushroom tart, burgers, pizza, crispy duck, soft cheeses or simply lightly chilled on warm afternoons.