La Reine de l’Arenite, ‘La Madone’, Fleurie

Beaujolais | France A heady perfume of freshly picked irises drifts above the berry fruit nose. Vivacious flavours of luscious cherry and rose petal. Floral, elegant and aromatic. Awards 2011 Vintage: Sommelier Wine Awards 2013 – Silver About the Producer La Reine de l’Arenite, meaning ‘Queen of the Arenite’ refers to the terroir of pinky, crumbly sandstone of the La Madone vineyards, rated as one of the best vineyards in Fleurie. At up to 450m altitude and with soils still untouched by phylloxera, goblet trained vines on the east and south east facing vineyards lie below the Chapel of the Madonna at the top of the hill. Gamay Noir vines range from 40 to 90 years of age. Grapes are hand-picked and whole-berry fermented for 8-10 days (traditional maceration carbonique) followed by a further 2 or 3 days on the skins to assist with aromas. Food Pairing In winter, match with a roast leg of lamb. During the summer, chill lightly and serve with roasted or barbecued chicken or pork.