2021 Chateau Thivin Cote de Brouilly 'Les Sept Vignes'

Region: Beaujolais, Burgundy, France

Grape: Gamay

Culinary Suggestions: Garlic Snails, Chinese Cuisine, Roast Duck

Vineyard Practice: Organic

About

Vineyards have been planted on Mont Brouilly since Roman times and ever since then, vines have never left this isolated hill in the heart of Beaujolais. 

In 1383, the original portion of Château Thivin's cellars was constructed, making it the oldest estate in Côte de Brouilly and one of the most highly regarded producers in the region. 

On 8th June 1877, Zaccharie and Marguerite Geoffray bought Château Thivin and its two hectares of vineyards surrounding the estate. Today, the 5th and 6th generations of the Geoffray family are the current custodians, with each succeeding generation contributing new plots of land to build up the estate.

Their vineyards are farmed organically, consisting of mainly old vine gamay situated on the predominantly southern slopes of Mont Brouilly, a small extinct volcano. Thanks to the combination of old vines, exceptional sites, and tireless dedication in the vineyards, the yield is modest but consists of perfectly ripened small bunches. 

During harvest, the bunches are carefully placed into small crates to avoid damage before being tipped into sealed vats filled with complete bunches. The simple process continues as the vats are left undisturbed for 7-10 days. Any fermenting wine resulting from the weight of the bunches pressing down is drained out, and the remaining whole bunches are pressed. The young wine is then aged in large old barrels for 6-12 months before bottling. Such a basic process yields spectacular results in the bottle.

Les Sept Vignes is the winery’s traditional wine, blended from 7 plots on Mont Brouilly:

Clos Bertrand, La Chapelle, Les Griottes, Godefroy, L’Héronde, Henri and Les Fournelles.

The soils are dominated by the “blue stone“(Metadiorite), stonier for the highest plots and more clay for those closer to the foot of the hill.

Tasting Notes

This can be one of the best Chateau Thivin wines, unforced and pretty really.

Fine tannin, gravel and dried cherry, detail of earth and dried herbs and a sense of minerality. Spot on. It’s succulent and long, bright and fresh yet also savoury. It’s such a delicious wine. Juicy, earthy, red fruits, light ferrous notes, orange citrus characters. Fine grip through the wine but with fruitiness. Far out. The whole thing drinks with such charm. Elegant and beautiful drinking, with regional character on show. I’m all over it. Such an outstanding drink. Crikey.

95 points - Mike Bennie, The Wine Front March 2023

Drink: 2023 - 2030

Garnet red with bluish glints, bouquet of hawthorn, peonies, cherry, with a touch of minerality, round on the palate with black fruit, and a spicy finish.  

We recommend enjoying them after the second year, with a 5–10 years keeping potential. - Winery Note

Brimming with strawberry fruit with notes of savory and sage. Stacks of berry fruit, the lively acidity and some healthy tannins create a satisfying harmony on the rather sleek palate. The long stony finish is slightly austere, but not aggressive in any way. Drink or hold.

91 points - jamessuckling.com March 2023