Fleurie 2021 - 1500ml

The Couderts say their particular terroir (mainly clay and manganese), and the age of their vines (25 to 33 years-old) account for the richness of their wine. It has a deep blackcurrant color with a hint of purple, a restrained nose of crème de cassis, a rich, full mouth with aromas of cassis, black cherries, and a nutty character, and finishes with zesty acidity. This is a wine that ages gracefully and takes on the aromatic character of a Pinot Noir.

In Beaujolais, Fernand Coudert purchased and replanted the abandoned Clos de la Roilette vineyard from the Crozet family, whose prized race horse it was named after (thus the label!). Since taking over the estate from his father in 1991, Alain Coudert has become one of the most consistent and respected producers in Beaujolais. Alain was a reluctant vigneron, returning to aid the family after his brother had a serious accident in 1979.

The Clos de la Roilette, in the village of Fleurie (AOC est 1926), covers nine hectares of one of the best slopes in the Beaujolais Crus. The clos has an ideally sloped eastern exposure and borders the Moulin-à-Vent appellation. The land is worked in the lutte raisonee sustainable manner, with no tractor tilling as to not disturb the old vines. The soil is unusual mix of manganese and clay, giving the wines their power and depth, compared to the remainder of Fleurie which is granite.

“Alain Coudert’s Clos de la Roilette is a longtime favorite Fleurie producer whose wines should not be overshadowed by newer, more fad dish uunames.” -Eric Asimov, The New York Times