Beaujolais en Besset: Domaine de Fa 2021

Since their first vintage in 2014, the Graillot family have produced this wonderful Gamay from 4 hectares of Beaujolais and Beaujolais-Villages vines on the climat of the Côte de Besset near Saint-Amour.

Certified as an organic wine.

Bottle
£21.50
Bottle (Case)
£258.00
Tasting Notes

The Graillot family have harboured an oenological interest in Beaujolais, as well as a family home there, for some time. They, like several others, see a region which has real potential and that is currently undervalued. ‘En Besset’ is a 5ha plot on granitic hillsides close to Saint-Amour and Julienas, producing concentrated intense wines.

Their Beaujolais-en-Besset is redolent of ripe mulberries and damsons with a pure red fruit core and delicate earthy undertones. It has enough weight to support a spot of bottle age but is hard to resist in its youthful pomp. Benefits from 30 mins breathing or decanted if preferable.

Perfect for picnics and al-fresco dining, cold-cuts, charcuterie or a goat’s cheese and pomegranate salad. Brasserie lunch dishes like confit duck legs or a classic steak-frites would be ideal and it has low tannins so works well with curries or chilli-spiced dishes.

About this wine
StyleRed Wine, Sec, Medium-bodied, Non Sparkling
Wine RegionBurgundy, Beaujolais
Grape Variety (Cépage)Gamay
Food & Wine MatchingCharcuterie, Chicken and Turkey, Curry, Duck, Goat's Cheese, Mushrooms, Pheasant and Game, Pork
ViticultureOrganic
Vintage2021
CellarageDrink from 1 to 3 years after vintage.
VinificationWild-yeast ferments start using Beaujolais process of semi-carbonic maceration using whole bunches (no destemming) in concrete tanks with half the fruit crushed to start the process. Fermentation goes for 9 to 12 days before maturation in large oak foudres and demi-muids. Wines are bottled unfiltered so can throw a light sediment.
Alcohol By Volume (%)12.5
Producer

Domaine de Fa (Antoine & Maxime Graillot)

World-renowned Crozes Hermitage producer, Alain Graillot and sons Maxime & Antoine looked north to Beaujolais for a new winemaking venture, acquiring Domaine de Fa in 2013, with their first vintage appearing the following year. The family had a long-term home in the area so making wine in the region was a natural progression.

Farmed according to organic and biodynamic principles, they will be certified organic from the 2019 vintage. Their approach mirrors their style of winemaking in the Northern Rhône, looking for similar freshness and perfume from Gamay. The cellars are situated in the commune of Boyer with around 4ha of vines in Beaujolais and Beaujolais-Villages, 3ha in Fleurie, just under a hectare in Saint-Amour.

 

View more wines from this producer...
Video Revew

Beaujolais en Besset: Domaine de Fa - Yapp Brothers One Minute Review

Bianca Ford reviews the Beaujolais en Besset from the Graillot family (Domaine de Fa). Certified organic, this Gamay wine has lovely earthy overtones with bright red fruit with a good acidity. A classic food wine - serve with duck or steaks, or dall curry as it has very fine low tannins.

Yapp Brothers Videos