Domaine de Thulon - Régnié Vieilles Vignes 2022
The Domaine de Thulon, a family estate located in the heart of Beaujolais, perfectly embodies the spirit of the great northern crus of the region. Nestled on the slopes of Régnié, one of the ten crus of Beaujolais, the estate relies on a vineyard of old vines deeply rooted in poor granitic soils, which give the wines aromatic finesse and mineral tension. The family cultivates the vines with particular attention to soil work, moderate yields, and the precise ripeness of the grapes, in order to preserve freshness, balance, and expression of the terroir. Régnié finds a unique identity here, halfway between the indulgence of a charming cru and the depth of the great neighboring villages. The estate's style favors fruit precision, drinkability, and fine tannins, far from the light caricatures sometimes associated with Gamay. With Régnié Vieilles Vignes 2022, Domaine de Thulon delivers a cuvée of character, serious and elegant, suited as much for the table as for the cellar.
Régnié Vieilles Vignes 2022 comes from old parcels planted on well-exposed granitic slopes, where the deeply rooted vines naturally produce low yields. The harvest is done by hand, with rigorous sorting to keep only perfectly healthy and ripe berries, an essential condition for a low-intervention approach in the winery. The vinification is inspired by traditional Beaujolais methods, with a significant proportion of whole clusters to preserve the freshness, juiciness, and floral dimension of Gamay. The macerations are conducted gently, in an infusion spirit aimed at extracting color, aromas, and tannins without rusticity. The aging then takes place in tanks and sometimes in large wooden vats or demi-muids, to round out the structure while maintaining bright fruit and good uprightness. The 2022 vintage, sunny but balanced, offers this cuvée generous body, intense aromas, and a harmonious structure that confer both immediate charm and a potential for aging of a few years.
On tasting, Domaine de Thulon Régnié Vieilles Vignes 2022 shows a deep ruby robe with violet reflections, bright and attractive. The nose opens on a beautiful palette of red and black fruits, cherry, raspberry, blackberry, complemented by notes of peony, violet, and a touch of sweet spices. On the palate, the attack is indulgent and juicy, with a broad mid-palate where crunchy fruit blends with a fine, silky tannic framework, perfectly integrated. The natural freshness of the cru brings energy and length without ever weighing down the body, making the wine particularly easy to drink. The finish is long, mouthwatering, marked by red fruits, a slight peppery note, and a mineral imprint recalling the granitic soils. At the table, this cuvée ideally accompanies fine charcuterie, roasted poultry, caramelized pork ribs, vegetable gratin, a gourmet burger, or soft cheeses and lightly aged pressed cheeses. Served slightly chilled, it reveals even more of its indulgence and drinkability.
Grape varieties: 100% Gamay
