2024 Domaine de Colonat Beaujolais Village Perle de Granit

Here we have what must be one of the biggest Beaujolais bargains on the market.

Seven generations of the Collonge family have farmed Villié-Morgon since 1828. Today, Julie and Thomas lead the estate, with Thomas bringing experience from Burgundy, the Rhône and Australia to an intimate knowledge of the family's vineyards and soils.

"Perle de Granit" takes its name from the granite hillside it comes from: a steep, southeast-facing plot in the upper reaches of Villié-Morgon, planted at high density of 10,000 vines per hectare. At 15 years old the vines are younger than the estate's old-vine cuvées, but the site is genuine and the results show it.

Fully destemmed, 10 days of gentle maceration with careful pump-overs to extract only the finest tannins, then six months in concrete tanks. Clean, precise winemaking with no heavy hand. The result is Gamay with freshness, fine tannins and real character. Morgon-esque dark fruit but in a light, approachable frame. A bouncy wine but with fine structure that creeps up on you too. Delicious.

Four to five years of cellaring potential here, but to be honest it's a ripper glass of wine right now and just loves a charcuterie board. One of the buys of the year!

"There are always consumers with preconceived notions about Beaujolais wines, but today I take it as a game to convince them. I know our wines are appreciated, and I have confidence in their quality"
- Thomas Collogne (Domaine de Colonat owner/winemaker)