Domaine de Côtes Rémont 2018 (Beaujolais) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a lovely Gamay from the Chénas Cru in Beaujolais, France. This red wine is a new arrival to the LCBO that landed on shelves across Ontario as part of the April 17 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Domaine de Côtes Rémont is a small family estate in the north of Beaujolais, in the town of Chénas. The Estate had been practicing polyculture for more than 250 years until devoting itself to viticulture in the middle of the 20th century. In this green setting on steep slopes above the La Mauvaise river, they have 4 hectares of vines at 350 metres above sea level with exposure to the south and southwest. The family has a desire to craft authentic wines, while also having respect for nature and the environment. They practice sustainable viticulture and is committed to leaving the land in a better condition for future generations.

Located in northern Beaujolais, Chénas (pronounced Shay-nah) is the smallest of the 10 Beaujolais Crus. The area was once filled with dense oak forests that were gradually cut down first by the Gallo-Romans, then monasteries, and finally under orders by Philippe V., all of the remaining trees on the slopes of Mont Rémont were cut down and replaced with vines. By the 18th century, the vineyards in Chénas were producing highly valued that were exported to Paris and a favourite of Louis XIII.

This particular bottling is 100% Gamay from a 4 hectare contiguous site on steep slopes on the western side of Chénas with granite soils, from vines that are nearly 40 years of age. Let's see how this lovely Gamay is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

DOMAINE DE CÔTES RÉMONT 2018 - AP Chénas, Beaujolais, France (#18368) (XD) - $20.95
This 100% Gamay pours a fairly deep ruby-purple colour. The medium-high intensity nose is rich, complex, and ripe with cran-cherry, raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, and spice aromas. The light-to-medium bodied palate has ripe, tangy red fruits, raspberry, plum, cran-cherry, and currant flavours with subtle spice and floral notes. There is fresh, juicy acidity and some structure to the light tannins. Tangy red fruits with spice and floral notes linger on the long, structured finish. Enjoy this highly recommended buy over the next 5+ years. Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines by Domaine de Côtes Rémont can be ordered through their Agent - Rare Earth Wines.