Chateau Thivin Cote de Brouilly 2023

Critical Acclaim: 93 pts James Suckling. 

Tasting Notes: “Firm, peppery and well-structured, this is an excellent expression of the volcanic Cote-de-Brouilly terroir. And once you’ve taken that in, you pick up on the juiciness of the medium-bodied palate with black and blue berry fruit. Animating acidity in the long, structured finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”- James Suckling.

About the Winery: About the Winery: Thivin’s Côte de Brouilly parcels are predominantly south-facing and are planted entirely with Gamay vines that average 50 years of age. The soil is plowed and composted regularly while cover crops are left between some rows to encourage microbiotic activity. Absolutely no insecticides are used. On a slope with a grade of 48% and crumbly surface, implementing these techniques is essential to safeguard the soil from erosion, but it isn’t easy! Each section of the vineyard is harvested and vinified separately to preserve the unique characteristics afforded by variations in exposure and altitude. Even the estate’s vineyards in the Brouilly appellation are planted on a moderately steep hillside of decomposed pink granite, while most of the appellation is planted on the flat valley floor. Traditional whole-cluster fermentation keeps the characteristic fruity qualities of Gamay, after which the grapes are transferred to cuves by gravity without being crushed. Each vintage spends a few months in large oak foudres before bottling. The resulting wines, according to Kermit, resemble “…a country squire who is not afraid to get his boots muddy. Handsome, virile, earthy, and an aristocrat.”  

Varietal: Gamay.