From top to tail, Pierre-Marie Chermette’s 2019s are weapons of mass deliciousness. This entry-level cherrybomb is drawn from 20- to 40-year-old vines grown on dark, granite soils around the Chermette homestead in Saint-Vérand (southern Beaujolais).
The winemaking here has remained unchanged for decades, with traditional whole-bunch, semi-carbonic fermentation in concrete tanks and then maturation in both tank and ancient oak casks still the order of the day. As opposed to his age worthy Crus from Moulin-a-Vent, Fleurie, et al, Chermette’s aim here is to produce something light-bodied, bright and cherry-fruited with reach-for-another-glass charm—something the delicious 2019 nails with ease.
From one of the region’s great addresses, this is a punchy and juicy red that goes down dangerously easily.