Christophe Pacalet Chiroubles

If there is one thing the Beaujolais wine region is known for, it is single-variety Gamay wines. A variety made from the natural crossbreeding of Pinot and Gouais and although it was initially noted for its abundant production, in 1395, Philip III the reckless banned it from being planted in the limestone soils of the Côte d'Or, in favour of a more elegant and refined Pinot Noir. However, over time Beaujolais has discovered an unknown treasure. The keys to this region are its 10 exceptional municipalities, all of which have their own denomination of origin. Set on steep hillsides with lush forests and an uninterrupted expanse of vineyards, they champion the quality of Gamay and its specific characteristics in each of the terroirs.

Someone who is dedicated to discovering the characteristics of each of these crus is Christophe Pacalet, an independent winegrower who, following in the footsteps of his uncle and master Marcel Lapierre (legendary natural winemaker in Beaujolais), has created a collection of Beaujolais wines that highlight the quality of the region’s best terroirs. Christophe Pacalet Chiroubles is a single-variety Gamay cultivated on very homogeneous soils made up of coarse-grained granite at an altitude of between 250 and 450 m, that showcases the intrinsic characteristics of Beaujolais’ highest cru. These grapes are organically cultivated without the use of anything artificial or machinery. They are harvested by hand in 25 kilo boxes. In the winery, the whole bunches undergo a carbonic maceration without SO2 for 10-20 days. They are then pressed and the resulting must is aged in oak barrels for 6 to 8 months.

The AOC Chiroubles is the earliest and most feminine Beaujolais wine cru and Christophe Pacalet Chiroubles is a fruity wine that becomes more complex over time, developing into a great terroir wine. What a pleasure!