Domaine de la Grand'Cour Brouilly Cuvée Vieilles Vignes 2016 Magnum

Grape: Gamay
Vintage: 2016
Type: Red

This red comes from old-vine gamay farmed by Jean-Louis Dutraive in Brouilly, the largest and most granite-driven of the Beaujolais crus. Dutraive works in the low-intervention tradition associated with Marcel Lapierre and Jules Chauvet: no fining, no filtration, and nothing added to smooth the wine on its way to bottle. At 11.5%, it is picked for freshness rather than power. Vieilles Vignes is the domaine's statement on what old gamay does without help.

It displays a deep ruby color with a faint violet edge, opening with aromas of crushed black cherry, peony, and fresh-turned granite. On the palate, the medium-bodied frame is juicy but structured, balancing dark fruit against a stony, faintly peppery grip. Carbonic character shows as a light floral lift rather than the bubblegum note cheaper Beaujolais leans on. Acidity is bright and the tannins stay fine throughout. It finishes clean and lightly earthy, with the granite outlasting the fruit.