Magnum of Cyril Copéret Fleurie, La Madone | 2021 (1500ML)

La Madone is a coveted climat, a southeastern granitic slope of Fleurie, named after its lofty chapel. Here, the Copéret family farms 9 hectares of old vines, now under the guidance of 7th generation vigneron, Cyril. These days, you never know what you're going to get in a bottle of Cru Beaujolais. Some are plump and alcoholic, while others are light, but funky and sour. So, it's refreshing when you taste a Gamay that is clean and nimble, with all its pretty flowers, pink spice, and bowl of berries. That's Copéret.

Bottled in magnum format, sixty-year-old La Madone vines go through semi-carbonic fermentation, whole cluster, for eleven days. Aged in steel, the alcohol is low (13%), and the fruit is high, buoyant with blackberries, raspberries, and blues. Freshly sweet and tart, it feels like a Fleurie from yesteryear, tableside at a bistro with a plate of Beaujolais sausages. And considering the price? It's a large party no-brainer. ~Allegra A