From: Lancie (southern Macon), Burgundy, France
Varietal: 100% Gamay

Taste: One of the first things to note about this wine is its beautiful ruby-red color. The wine is rich and deep, with a depth that hints at the complexity of its flavor profile. On the nose, this wine offers a delightful bouquet of red fruit, with notes of cherry, raspberry, and cranberry all vying for attention. There is also a subtle earthiness to the aroma, which hints at the wine's terroir. On the palate, this red wine is equally impressive. The wine is medium-bodied, with a smooth and velvety texture that makes it easy to drink. There are layers of flavor to discover, including ripe red fruit, subtle spice, and a hint of minerality that adds depth and complexity to the wine. The tannins are well-balanced and provide a gentle structure that helps to support the wine's flavor profile.

Pairing: This is one of those red wines that can be drunk alone, or with a variety of foods, both simple and complex. Here’s some ideas to get you started!

Coq au Vin, a classic French dish made with chicken braised in red wine
Beef Bourguignon, a traditional French stew made with beef, vegetables, and red wine
Charcuterie boards featuring cured meats and pâté
Lentil or bean-based stews or soups
Roasted or grilled vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers
Mushroom risotto or pasta dishes
Grilled or roasted meats such as chicken, pork, or lamb (this also works with grilled salmon)
Earthy vegetables like mushrooms (a mushroom tart would be lovely, but check out the Fig Tart with Caramelized Onions, Rosemary and Stilton recipe!), beets, or roasted root vegetables

Fig Tart With Caramelized Onions, Rosemary and Stilton
By Melissa Clark

Emerging superstar Florent Rouve was partners with famed Burgundian negociant Jean Rijkaert until 2073 when he took the reins alone. Producing in two of France's hottest winemaking regions, the Maconnais and Jura, Rouve's oenological approach emphasizes freshness, integrity, balance and terroir and offers a superb alliance of tradition and a modern, minimalist style. 

Florent Rouve's Coteaux Bouguignons is a gorgeous 100% Gamay wine made from grapes grown in the village of Lancie at the southern edge of Macon, where Burgundy meets Beaujolais. Top quality old vines, Rouve's minimal-intervention winemaking (native yeasts, minimal pump-overs, no fining/filtration, etc.) and use of neutral aging vessels result in an elegant and ethereal wine balancing beautiful ripe fruit and spice with soft, round tannins. Winter 2079 was mild, followed by a wet spring and a dry, warm summer, resulting in ripe grapes with excellent natural structure. The grapes for this wine were partially destemmed (30%) with a 3 week traditional maceration in concrete tanks with minimal pump-overs to emphasize extraction. Eight months of aging (with three months of lees contact) in 20 hectoliter concrete tanks highlights the fruit and spice.