2023 Daniel Bouland Cuvee Melanie Cote de Brouilly, Beaujolais

Named after Daniel Bouland’s daughter, Cuvée Mélanie is drawn from a small, steep, half-hectare plot on the slopes of Mont Brouilly. The 70-year-old vines are rooted on the area’s famous terres bleu (blue-tinted volcanic soils) within the lieu-dit of Tête Noire, directly above Château Thivin. The blue schist lends the wines of this Cru their unique mineral profile. Bouland’s 0.8-hectare parcel is planted at 12,000 vines per hectare. As with all of Bouland’s cuvées, this is a wine born from low yields and natural, whole-bunch fermentation.

As you would expect from this terroir, it’s more baritone than Chiroubles, sporting darker, plusher fruit and deeper spice notes. Regardless, it’s super fine; that core of lip-smacking mineralised blue fruit is perfectly framed by refreshing chalky tannin.  

Daniel Bouland Cuvée Mélanie Cote de Brouilly is like the wine equivalent of finding a hidden treasure in the Beaujolais region, and it’s so rare you might think it’s a myth. Named after Mélanie, this wine is a true gem—an exceptional Cote de Brouilly that combines elegance, complexity, and a little bit of sass. If wines could be celebrities, this one would be the under-the-radar star everyone is starting to talk about. You know, the one that’s rare, exclusive, and has that “I’m a little too cool for you” vibe.

Made from the wonderful Gamay grape, grown in the iconic Cote de Brouilly terroir, this wine embodies everything we love about Beaujolais: it’s fresh, vibrant, and full of character, but with the sophistication of a wine that’s clearly been around the block a few times. Daniel Bouland’s organic farming methods ensure that only the best grapes make it into the bottle, with minimal intervention in the winemaking process. The result? A wine that’s pure, authentic, and oh-so-drinkable.

The nose is a juicy punch of red fruit—think cherries, raspberries, and a touch of cranberry—followed by subtle floral hints, a bit of spice, and just a whisper of earthiness. It’s like Mother Nature herself decided to throw a party with berries, flowers, and a bit of dirt under her boots. On the palate, this wine is smooth and silky, with soft tannins that make you feel like you're gliding through a cloud. The fruit flavors are rich and ripe, but there’s this zesty freshness that makes it dangerously easy to drink. The finish is long, lingering, and almost too good to be true.

Pair it with something just as fun and rare—like a juicy steak, charcuterie, or cheeses that make you look fancy, like Brie or Comté. Or, you know, just sip it on its own and feel like a wine connoisseur with a secret stash of liquid gold.

If you’re lucky enough to find a bottle of Daniel Bouland Cuvée Mélanie Cote de Brouilly, consider yourself part of an elite wine club. But be warned—it’s so rare, you’ll probably have to fight off other wine lovers who want in on the secret.