Screwcap. Chermette’s entry-level Beaujolais is drawn from 20- to 40-year-old vines grown on dark granite soils around the homestead in Saint-Vérand (in 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. So exuberant you could be tasting out of barrel. There’s a gentle spicy complexity from the whole bunches matched by waves of crushed raspberry and spiced cherry. supported by mouth-watering acidity and silky tannins. This prettily scented 2020 is ready to open and enjoy any time you are. From one of the region’s great addresses, this is punchy and juicy red goes down dangerously easily. Get in.