Gamay 'La Souteronne' Herve Souhaut 2022

La Souteronne' from artisanal vigneron Hervé Souhaut represents a sought-after expression of Gamay from the Northern Rhône that is striking for the pulpiness of its fruit. Widespread in the not-so-distant Beaujolais region, Gamay originated from the spontaneous crossing of the Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc vines. This variety gives rise to both fresh and lively wines, ideal for drinking young, and complex and structured reds, suitable for long ageing, a typology to which 'La Souteronne' belongs.

Hervé Souhaut 'La Souteronne' originates from pure Gamay grapes from vines between 50 and 80 years old, planted on rocky granite soils at an altitude of 500 metres above sea level. Harvesting is carried out strictly by hand and the grapes are then vinified whole through spontaneous alcoholic fermentation and prolonged semi-carbonic maceration at low temperature in oak vats. Once the fermentation process is complete, the mass is left to mature for about 8 months on the fine lees in second-passage oak casks. Invasive clarification or filtration operations are then excluded throughout the entire process, while sulphur dioxide is added at bottling in homeopathic quantities only when the wine requires it.

Hervé Souhaut's Gamay 'La Souteronne' is pale ruby red in colour. The complex bouquet opens on fruity tones of strawberry, black cherry, plum, blackberry and fig, supported by a fine smoky mineral vein and hints of herbs and spices. The juicy and lively freshness on the palate is accompanied by a subtle but well-presented tannic texture, with a dynamic and tasty progression that rests on a finish described by persistent chalky mineral sensations.