Gamay, Beaujolais, France

Sturdy and serious, if this gamay were a piece of furniture it would be a mahogany arm chair with black leather upholstery and brass accents (no roll-y wheels). Raphael Saint Cyr is the fourth generation winemaker (and all around jovial and lovely leader) at Domaine Saint Cyr in Anse, on the southern edge of Beaujolais. Raphael and his partner Karine took over in 2008, converting the entire 23 hectare domaine to certified organic. FUN FACT! It is the largest organic domaine in Beaujolais! Moulin-à-Vent is known as one of the monarchs of the Beaujolais crus, thanks to its manganese-rich granite soils that, along with the climate, produce robust and tannic bojo babies. Carbonic maceration for 21 days keeps things seriously supple and red-fruited, just the way we like it. Warm soil holding roses, black cherry candies, nutmeg, homemade strawberry pop tart, cut branches, liquorice root, smouldering cherry wood & blueberry leaves. Drink while reading Birds of America by Lorrie Moore.