Beaujolais Brouilly Zen AOC 2023

Wine Description for Beaujolais Brouilly Zen AOC 2023 by Bret Brothers

Colour & Appearance

Pale, transparent crimson red with seductive clarity – a wine that reveals its origin and philosophy right from the glass.

Nose

Precise and airy, this Brouilly presents itself with a bouquet of sour cherries, raspberries and pomegranate juice, accompanied by lingonberries. Spicy notes of verbena and liquorice mingle with a fine mineral trace that recalls cool stone. The aromatics are transparent and unadorned – typical of the purist approach of Bret Brothers.

Palate

On the palate, the wine reveals its full finesse: fresh, juicy and of remarkable transparency. The delicate extract is carried by an agile acidity that brings the wine to life. Crisp dark berries dominate, complemented by plum notes. The tannin is present but fine-grained like 240-grit sandpaper – grippy without being intrusive. Violet and liquorice linger in the finish.

Finish

Medium length with persistent freshness, fine spice and a mineral coolness that invites the next sip.

Terroir & Origin

Hailing from the southernmost cru of Beaujolais, this Brouilly unites two contrasting parcels: the clay and limestone-rich Pilonière (reduced after frost damage in 2019) and a parcel with blue slate. Together they comprise 0.7 hectares, whose geological diversity is reflected in the wine’s complexity.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Gamay, harvested on 31 August 2023, completely destemmed and fermented using carbonic maceration – the classic Beaujolais method. Aged in used barriques. With a pH of 3.37 and minimal sulphur addition (<10 mg/l), this is a wine of remarkable purity and naturalness.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Perfect with charcuterie, terrine de campagne, coq au vin or grilled tuna. Also excellent with mushroom dishes, duck breast roasted rare or a spicy goat’s cheese.

Special Features

A prime example of the minimalist, terroir-focused approach of Bret Brothers. The extreme sulphur reduction and purist ageing make this Brouilly an authentic, unadulterated expression of its vintage and origin.