Côte-de-Brouilly, France
100% Gamay
When Nicole Chanrion started her career in the 1970s, women were mostly confined to enology labs and kept out of the cellars. Despite her mother thinking winemaking was for men, Nicole pursued her dream of becoming a vigneronne. Coming from six generations of family tradition, she grew up assisting her father in the vineyards and cellar in Côte-de-Brouilly, a southern cru of northern Beaujolais. Despite her mild demeanor and slight build, her determination has been unwavering. Since taking over the family domaine in 1988, she has managed all 6.5 hectares by herself, from pruning and driving tractors to winemaking and bottling, without seeking attention. In 2000, she became president of the Côte-de-Brouilly appellation, earning the affectionate title “La Patronne de la Côte” (the Boss of la Côte).
The wine was brilliant violet, with magnificent freshness and juicy ripe cherries right away, well concentrated with a minerality and some bitter cherry. Full mouthfeel with subltle gripping tannins added to the lightly spicy finish.
$25