2021 Domaine de la Garrelière Touraine Gamay Sans Tra La La

WINEMAKER: François & Pascaline Plouzeau
REGION: Loire Valley, FR
VARIETAL: Gamay
VITICULTURE: Certified Biodynamic

"This long-running favourite is made from 100% Gamay and is fermented naturally without the ‘help’ of commercial yeasts. The vines from which the grapes are sourced are around 40 years old and in their prime. The vines grow in Aeolian sand and clay derived from flint which, in turn, is sitting on a layer of limestone. After harvesting in small crates, the grapes undergo carbonic maceration for a period of twelve days in 2020. The juice was then pressed and left on skins for one to two weeks and then is racked off to large concrete tanks.

It is fresh, lively, full of flavour and, above all, delicious. Good for drinking anytime, anywhere. The joyous label captures the essence of this wine. The French would call this a ‘gouleyant’ wine, meaning that it is gluggable or smashable. The 2021 cuvee is particularly good. It is fresh, it has vibrant colour, it is expressive of the Gamay grape and it is gluggable." - Living Wines

François and Pascaline Plouzeau maintain an immaculate vineyard near the fascinating village of Richelieu which lies south of Tours quite close to the Chinon region. Here they implement strict biodynamic vineyard practices which are certified by Ecocert and Biodyvin. A feature of their lovely wines is the wonderful set of labels produced by local artists that reflect the naming of the wine. So the racy Cendrillon white, as the name suggests, has a Cinderella theme. Tasmanians will note a Samek-like whimsy in some of the paintings.