2021 Chateau Thivin Vin de France Rouge 'Utopia'
Region: Beaujolais, Burgundy, France
Grape: Prior, Chambourcin, Pinotin, Souvignier Gris
Culinary Suggestions: Pasta, Grilled Meats, Spicy Cuisines such as Asian, African, Caribbean
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.
Utopia is a new generation of wine, made from a blend of the “piwi” grape varieties Prior (40%), Chambourcin (40%), Pinotin (10%) and Souvignier Gris (10%). It comes from vines that have NEVER been sprayed with any chemical treatments, not even “organic” copper or sulphur!
PIWI is the acronym for the German word "Pilzwiderstandsfähig", literally meaning "able to withstand mushrooms". These are vines that are naturally resistant to the principal vine diseases (mildew and oidium).
Grown on a little terraced plot to make the manual work easier and help combat erosion. This east-facing combe on Mont Brouilly, is on a clay/silty terroir coming from a volcanic rock, high in ferromagnesian minerals, the famous “blue stone”.
Tasting Notes
It’s a very deep red wine with purplish nuances. A nose of black fruits, blueberries, blackberries, blackcurrant and a hint of pepper. A spicy and juicy palate with satiny tannins and a succulent finish. - Winery Note