Producer: Chateau de Javernand
Wine: 2020 Chiroubles "Les Gatilles"
Varietal: 100% Gamay
Tasting Notes: "The bright fruit and juiciness of this elegant, medium-bodied Chiroubles is immediately appealing. A touch of soft tannin and harmonious acidity on the palate confirm that. Slightly simple finish, but very enjoyable. Drink now." - James Suckling
Food: Charcuterie, grilled fish, white meats and mediterranean cheeses.
Cellaring: Drink now
CHATEAU DE JAVERNAND
Chiroubles
Founded in 1917, Chateau de Javernand consists of a beautiful 18th century Château and almost 50 hectares of vines located in the heights of Chiroubles and offering a wonderful view of the Saône valley.
Arthur Fourneau and his good friend Pierre Prost produce benchmark Chiroubles from top quality vineyards planted on poor, sandy granite slopes between 820 and 1460 feet in altitude, situated on what is arguably this cru's finest terroir. Arthur's great grandfather, Auguste Faye, a wine merchant from Macon, bought Javernand in 1917, after visiting and falling in love with the entire property. Arthur, the fifth generation, and Pierre were both sons of winemakers who met in engineering school in Lyon. They became fast friends and Pierre wound up marrying Arthur’s cousin, Mathilde, and joined the estate in 2011.
The 16 acres of vines are currently in organic conversion and the property also consists of about 50 acres of woods and 37 acres of fields (agro-ecology).
“Les Gatilles” are the little grey lizards sunbathing on the rough granite soils specific to the appellation. The 2019 vintage is made of 40-50 year old Gamay Noir vines from several plots of sand over granite bedrock. All vineyards are in organic conversion. Some plots are vinified utilizing carbonic maceration while others are using classic Burgundian techniques. The different plots are then blended together then rest and integrate for nine months in neutral concrete tanks before bottling.
The Chiroubles cru is located north of the Rhône, in the heart of the village by the same name. The AOC is nestled on hillsides arranged in granite cirques whose series of amphitheatre-like valleys provide the vines with optimal exposure. These are the highest vines in Beaujolais (often on slopes with inclines over 30%), a guarantee of cool temperatures in the face of the current climate change. The Chiroubles growers are often considered “heroic”, given how physically demanding and meticulous the work is on the rugged hillsides.
