Domaine Saint Cyr 'La Galoche' Rose 2022

The vibe: While Domaine Saint-Cyr makes some incredible Beaujolais Rouge, this bottle takes a lighter approach with a direct pressing of gamay after harvest, minimizing the time the skins are in contact with the juice. Located at the southern edge of Beajolais in Anse, the vineyard terroir is composed mostly of clay and limestone soil, which shines through in this expression. The mineral-forward profile combined with great ripe strawberries and raspberries and a slight hit of effervescence makes this rosé an easy peasy pick for the smattering of sunny days we’re beginning to see. “La Galoche” is named after a small stream that runs by the property and I honestly can’t picture a more idyllic setting to be drinking this wine in. 

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.

The geeky details: 100% Gamay. Direct press followed by complete malolactic fermentation. Aged in stainless steel for 4 months before bottling. 

Serve: Chilled.

Food pairing: Roasted veggies, salad with strawberries and melon, farmer’s market bread and brie, poke bowls?!

Album pairing: Khruangbin - A LA Sala