2021 Domaine Chasselay Beaujolais is not Dead

The Chasselay family has been working the land of Châtillon d'Azergues in southern Beaujolais since 1418, making them one of the oldest winemaking dynasties in the region. Today, siblings Claire and Fabien Chasselay lead this certified-organic estate with an irreverent spirit and an uncompromising respect for traditional natural winemaking. Their tongue-in-cheek cuvée, "Beaujolais is Not Dead," is a direct response to the industrial, artificially flavored Nouveau wines of the past, serving up a high-energy benchmark of what authentic Gamay should actually taste like.

Sourced from 45-plus-year-old vines in the single lieu-dit 'Les Grandes Terres,' this 2021 release is rooted in the unique clay and ochre-limestone soils of the Pierres Dorées district. The Chasselays harvest strictly by hand, fermenting whole clusters via traditional carbonic maceration in concrete vats with native yeasts and zero added sulfur. By avoiding oak barrels and artificial intervention, they preserve the raw, electric fruit purity and mouthwatering drinkability of old-vine Gamay.

In the glass, it pours a vibrant translucent ruby with energetic aromas of wild strawberry, tart raspberry, citrus zest, and subtle garden herbs. The palate is light-bodied, ultra-juicy, and gloriously weightless, bursting with crunchy red cherries and vibrant acidity that glides into a clean, mineral-flecked finish.

Served with a light chill, this ultra-refreshing red effortlessly pairs with charcuterie boards, smash burgers, or grilled sausages. If you want a fun, low-intervention red that delivers pure, unadulterated pleasure, pop this bottle immediately.