Domaine Saint Chénas 'les Blémonts' 2020
Grape: Gamay
Vinifcation: Cold carbonic maceration for 18 days; alcoholic fermentation with native yeast beginning on day 13; natural malolactic fermentation.
Chénas has historically been an overlooked appellation, but Raphael Saint Cyr intends to help change that. Les Blémonts vineyard is located in the center of Chénas. Raphael purchased this vineyard at the same time as his friend Paul-Henri Thillardon bought the neighboring parcel, so together they have a nearly 5-hectare block of organically farmed vines. Since 2019, all the cru Beaujolais from Domaine Saint Cyr have been vinified using cold carbonic fermentation, native yeast, and minimal (if any) sulfur to produce incredibly drinkable, soft, fruity and delicious red wines.
The winemaker: Raphaël Saint-Cyr is the fourth-generation vigneron at the Domaine Saint-Cyr, which was created by his great-grandfather, Pierre Saint-Cyr. Having seen his grandfather and uncle get sick from the chemicals used to treat their vines, Raphaël converted the entire 23-hectare domaine to certified organic viticulture, making it one of the largest organic domaines in the Beaujolais. He has two adorable horses that help him harvest named Simba and El Suegno.