2014 Domaine Sérol Éclat de Granite

Region: Côte Roannaise < Loire Valley < France
Grapes: Gamay Saint Romain
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Organic farming (in process for EcoCert certification), 10 to 80-year-old vines, granite soil, partial whole cluster fermentation in enamel lined tank with native yeast, low SO2 at bottling

Domaine Sérol, passed from father to son through 5 generations and dating back to the 18th century, is located about 50km from Lyon in the Southern Loire, in one of the newest AOC zones, the Côte Roannaise. Éclat is French for something like sparkle or shimmer, and this wine does feel like it’s shimmering with energy. This is old vine Gamay from rocky granitic soil: light, bright and earthy, an elegant balance of dark raspberry fruit, mineral tension and a rich, velvety texture. It reminds me of a Cru Beaujolais, without the price tag. It’s a versatile food wine, and works well with fish and veggie dishes. Best served slightly chilled.