This mouthwatering crowd-pleaser is named after a grove of cherry trees that flank the vineyard. The fruit comes from 30- to 40-year-old Gamay vines, grown in dark granite soils around the Chermette homestead in Saint-Vérand, southern Beaujolais. In contrast to their age-worthy Crus from Moulin-à-Vent and Fleurie et al., Chermette aims to produce something light-to-medium-bodied, bright and cherry-fruited with reach-for-another-glass charm.
The winemaking has remained unchanged for decades. Traditional whole-bunch, semi-carbonic fermentation in concrete tanks followed by maturation in tank and old oak casks are still the order of the day. Twenty-twenty four was a cooler year in Beaujolais, gifting, at this level, a thirst-quenching and moreish Gamay with loads of crunch, violet and cherrystone tang. As always, it is a delicious, vibrant wine and fabulous value.