From: Lantignié, Beaujolais, France
Varietal: Gamay
Taste: On the nose is a bouquet of red and dark berries, such as raspberries, cherries, and blackberries. Accompanied by delicate floral notes of violets and peonies, hallmark characteristics of Gamay. Subtle hints of spice, such as white pepper, and an earthy, mineral undertone.
The palate is lively and fresh, marked by juicy red fruit flavors like cranberry, red currant, and strawberry. The wine has a medium-bodied structure with soft tannins that give it a smooth, approachable mouthfeel: a bright, zesty acidity and a mineral-driven backbone. Notes of crushed stones and a whisper of herbal freshness linger on the clean, persistent finish.
Pairing: For modern vegetarian dishes, Grilled Portobello Mushrooms with Herb Butter complement the wine’s minerality and floral notes, while its subtle spice balances the buttery richness. Fennel, Beet, and Orange Salad with Cumin Vinaigrette. The wine’s vibrant red fruit and floral notes complement the beets' earthy sweetness and the orange's citrus brightness. Its acidity provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cumin vinaigrette while balancing the anise-like freshness of the fennel. The cumin's warm spice adds depth without overpowering the wine, making this pairing an intriguing and balanced choice.
The wine’s freshness at Thanksgiving shines with Herb-Roasted Turkey and Cranberry Sauce, echoing the tart fruit flavors and balancing the herb-infused richness. For a comforting side, Sweet Potato Gratin with Gruyère and Thyme matches the wine’s minerality and lively acidity, cutting through the dish’s creamy, earthy sweetness.
Fennel, Beet and Orange Salad With Cumin Vinaigrette
By Martha Rose Shulman
About: Domaine Alexandre Burgaud, situated in the Beaujolais region of France, is a family-owned winery with a rich history spanning four generations. The Burgaud family's viticultural journey began in 1900, cultivating vines and producing wines of notable quality. In 2013, Alexandre Burgaud, a cousin of renowned winemaker Jean-Marc Burgaud, established his domaine, inheriting old vines in the village of Lantignié, adjacent to the Cru Régnié. Before founding his estate, Alexandre honed his skills working alongside Jean-Marc from 2013 to 2017, gaining invaluable experience in traditional Beaujolais winemaking techniques.
The domaine encompasses approximately 12 hectares of vineyards, primarily located in Lantignié, a village recognized for its exceptional granitic terroirs. The vineyards are planted with Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc, the emblematic grape variety of the Beaujolais region. The age of the vines varies, with some parcels boasting vines over a century old, contributing to the complexity and depth of the wines produced. The soils in this area are predominantly composed of blue granite, similar to those found on the Côte du Py, imparting a distinctive mineral character to the wines.
