Clos de la Bruyere, Julien Courtois Elements 2018
Julien Courtois, following in his father Claude's footsteps, created his own vineyard, Le Clos de la Bruyère, in 1998. Based in Soings en Sologne, the 4.5-hectare domain is run by Julien and his partner, Heidi. They work with seven varieties of grapes, including an ungrafted Menu Pineau, planted in 1978. Both Julien and his father have always kept to the principles of making wines from low- yield vineyards, allowing them to reach the optimum concentration, and working on the basis of natural cycles. No chemicals or pesticides. Everything is done in respect of the environment.
100% Gamay de Chaudenay (a genetic variation of Gamay Noir). Maceration lasts one week before spontaneous fermentation begins lasting between 15 days and 1 month with no temperature control. Aged for 18 months in barrique; unfiltered. Concentrated ripe red and black fruit flavours with notes of spice and forest floor.
