Chiroubles

France · AOC · Beaujolais

Styles

Natural factors

Single-commune appellation on the eastern slopes of the Monts du Beaujolais (reaching 1,009 m at Mont Saint-Rigaud), in the Rhône département.
The highest-altitude vineyard in Beaujolais: plots between 260 m and 600 m on steep east- and south-east-facing hillsides.
A granite cirque open to the south-east, well sheltered, drained by the Douby and its tributaries.
The Monts du Beaujolais shield the vineyards from westerly winds and generate a foehn effect that dries the air and increases luminosity; the Saône valley channels southerly influences.

Human factors

Winemaking combines traditional fermentation with semi-carbonic maceration; short pruning and high planting density are used to manage gamay N.

Product characteristics

Light ruby appearance; floral and fruity nose; palate with soft tannins, tender and refined, balancing fruit and elegance.
Wines approachable young, though 1 to 2 years of cellaring reveals their finesse; pairings: poultry, charcuterie, and Lyonnaise specialities.

Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.