France | Rhone | Domaine des Pothiers | Romain Pare Granit Rose

Romain Pare Granit Rose

Varietal
Gamay Saint-Romain

Notes
VARIETAL: Gamay Saint-Romain. Like Beaujolais, the Côte Roannaise reds (and rosés) are made from Gamay, but it is a local variety called Gamay St. Romain which is late ripening, with harvests occurring typically well into October. The Côte Roannaise vineyards are at a little higher altitude than Beaujolais, so this late-ripening tendency is pushed further, with a lot of freshness and natural low alcohol (c.12.5%) coming naturally. These are aromatic, very juicy and quintessential bistro and food wines.

VINEYARD: Technically, the Côte Roannaise is part of the Central Loire Valley wine region, yet it’s so far south geographically, it is much closer to Beaujolais (with its unique granite soils this area is often considered the unofficial "11th Cru of the Beaujolais”). The estate is located in the village of Villemontais, in the southern part of the appellation. The vineyard is slightly more than 230 hectares (568 acres) of vines planted on the best granitic hills, between 400 and 500 meters (1200ft to 1500 ft) of elevation.

VINIFICATION: Harvesting is by hand, only indigenous yeasts are used, and the reds undergo a classic fermentation (no carbonic). For Référence, 50% of the fruit is de-stemmed, followed by a 7-day maceration. Aged for 5-8 months in concrete.