Our tasting impressions
One of our favorite vintages of Ancestrale. The modest oak is nearly integrated. A lovely wine with tremendous sophistication that will continue to mature nicely for at least a decade. On our recent tour, one of our members said, “Girin has changed my perception of Beaujolais.”
About this wine
100% Gamay from vines ranging in age from 60-80 years in south-facing granite soil. Yields are 52 hl/ha. Fermentation through carbonic maceration. Aged in tanks and used oak barrels (Fût de Chêne).
About the grape
Gamay, a descendent of Pinot Noir crossed with the obscure Gouais Blanc has often been thought of as a light grape but the emergence of Cru Beaujolais in recent years has raised awareness that it can produce serious, age-worthy wines. Gamay wines are high in acidity and therefore very flexible.
Thibaut's view of the vintage
2016 was complicated but bountiful and high-quality. An awful spring with lots of rain but August-September was sunny and the grapes achieved reasonably good maturity.
On your table…
Serve with herb roasted chicken and a lightly dressed green salad.