Domaine A.F. Gros : Moulin-à-Vent "En Mortperay" 2020

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Moulin-à-Vent "En Mortperay" 2020 from Domaine A.F. Gros

Tasting

Appearance

The appearance reveals a deep ruby red hue with pronounced purple highlights.

Nose

Initially reserved, the nose opens up gradually upon aeration to reveal fresh red fruit aromas dominated by cherry and strawberry. These fruity notes are accompanied by floral nuances and a herbaceous-spicy dimension marked by white pepper. More evolved touches of leather and undergrowth complete the aromatic palette.

Palate

On the palate, the wine is ample and energetic, with a silky tannic structure that coats the palate. Freshness is clearly present without being sharp, preserving the overall balance. The finish stretches out at length, marked by a pleasant bitterness that underscores the wine's complexity.

Food and wine pairings

This Moulin-à-Vent "En Mortperay" 2020 is ideal with roasted meats such as lamb or grilled beef, as well as duck dishes. It also pairs very well with Coq au Vin, Beef Bourguignon or a grilled ribeye steak. Soft washed-rind cheeses or matured cheeses also make excellent pairings.

An elegant and structured Moulin-à-Vent from Domaine A.F. Gros

The estate

Created in 1988, Domaine A.F. Gros was born from the union of the plots of Anne-Françoise Gros and her husband François Parent. Established in Pommard in the Côte de Beaune, the estate today cultivates over 10 hectares distributed between Burgundy and Beaujolais. Since 2013, Caroline and Mathias Parent, the new generation, have managed the estate with a philosophy combining respect for tradition and technical innovation. Mathias Parent, in charge of winemaking, has notably developed the use of whole-cluster vinification. In 2017, the estate expanded to Beaujolais with the acquisition of 3.6 hectares in the Moulin-à-Vent appellation. Recognized for their excellence, Caroline and Mathias Parent were named 2023 Winemakers of the Year by the Guide Hachette.

The vineyard

The plots of Moulin-à-Vent "En Mortperay" are located on the eponymous lieu-dit, a renowned terroir of the appellation. The vines benefit from a south-east exposure on granitic and sandy soils characteristic of Moulin-à-Vent, enriched with manganese. The vineyard management follows a sustainable approach, without the use of pesticides or insecticides. Vine management prioritizes selective pruning, controlled leaf thinning and, if necessary, green harvesting to optimize grape quality.

The vintage

The 2020 vintage in Beaujolais was characterized by excellent health conditions allowing the grapes to reach optimal ripeness. The concentration and quality of the fruit required precise vinification to avoid over-extraction and preserve the wine's balance. Harvesting was carried out manually on August 28, 2020, with the grapes transported in refrigerated vehicles to preserve their freshness.

Winemaking and aging

After rigorous sorting, the grapes for the Moulin-à-Vent "En Mortperay" 2020 were fully destemmed. A cold maceration of four to five days preceded fermentation, with daily pump-overs to promote the extraction of aromas and color. Malolactic fermentation took place in barrels. Aging lasted nine months, divided equally between 5,000-liter foudres and 228-liter barrels, allowing for textural complexity. A final maturation of one month in stainless steel tanks preceded bottling by gravity, without fining.

Grape variety

100% Gamay