2009 Domaine de la Garreliere Gamay Sans Tra La La

2009 Domaine de la Garreliere Gamay Sans Tra La La

Time for a cheeky Gamay from the Touraine AOC……Touraine was granted AOC status is 1939 (it was rejigged a little in 2002) and covers some 5300hal, taking in around 150 communes in all. Touraine is a “catch-all” name which covers the whole sub-region but peek inside and you’ll see such famous names as Bourgueil, Chinon, Montlouis & Vouvray…..and of course some of the Cheverny & Jasnières that we’ve taken a look at here on Vinofreakism.

Francois and Pascaline Plouzeau tend their 50 acres of biodynamic vineyards, near the village of Richelieu just to the South of Tours. The vineyards at Domaine de la Garreliere have been certified organic by Ecocert and biodynamic by biodyvin. The started working the land here (the estate once belonged to the Duc de Richelieu) in the 1970′s, slowly bringing it back to life after many years of conventional farming and have quickly become one of the rising stars of the region.

Yields are low….around 40hL/ha in a region where 60 hL/Ha is closer to the norm and the vineyards are on South-East facing slopes with limestone and clay soils. The wines are made very naturally…harvested by hand, natural yeasts and carbonic maceration….minimal sulphur is used in the wine-making process also which is always nice to see.

The labels are pretty snazzy too….with various artworks by local artists from the region gracing the front of the Domaine de la Garreliere bottles.

Bright…quite deep purple/red in the glass.

Bright aromas of wild cherry, plum and woodland fruits with hints of exotic spice, pepper, violets, sous bois, herbs and pan juices. There are plenty of earthy facets along with some raspberry and red-fruited high-tones….quite a pretty smelling wine

Lively, light of body and full of flavour in the mouth, with plum, blackberry and wild cherry fruits, all supple and juicy slipping nicely through to a mid-palate that shows hints of spice, dried flowers, rosemary, earth and roasted meats. Quite a direct and very enjoyable wine with a surprising amount of stucture compared to some 2009′s….we’re talking ripe, gravelly type tannins and a crunchy line of acidity.

Great, robust, lively drinking.

Price: $30 – Alcohol: 13% -Closure: Cork – Source: Sample – Importer: Terroir Wines

Almost as much fun as playing footy with a beer can.