Soleil Couchant, AOP Saint-Amour 2023 75cl

Soleil Couchant Saint-Amour is a refined, silky red wine produced in Saint-Amour, the northernmost of the ten revered Beaujolais Crus in Burgundy, France. Meaning "sunset" in French, "Soleil Couchant" reflects the warm afternoon sun that bathes the sloping vineyards of this romantic appellation. Crafted by winemaker Samantha Bailey for Boutinot from old Gamay vines, this bottling exemplifies the elegant, aromatic, and fruit-focused expression for which Saint-Amour is celebrated. Why You'll Love It This wine stands out for its delicate balance of fragrant red berry charm and subtle savoury spice. Sourced from mature vines managed under High Environmental Value (HVE) principles, it delivers impressive fruit depth without heavy, harsh tannins. Its supple texture and bright freshness make it exceptionally versatile, offering a sophisticated Cru Beaujolais experience that can be enjoyed slightly chilled during warmer months or served at cool room temperature year-round. Vineyard & Production The Gamay grapes are hand-harvested from vines aged at least 50 years, planted on a complex mosaic of granite, schist, and clay soils. Upon arrival at the winery, the fruit is chilled and predominantly de-stemmed to preserve delicate aromatics while avoiding coarse astringency. The winemaking combines semi-carbonic maceration with a slow, controlled fermentation, extracting pure fruit character and fine tannins before maturing in stainless steel to preserve its vibrant primary profile. Tasting Notes In the glass, the wine displays a bright, translucent ruby hue. The nose opens with an alluring bouquet of fresh raspberries, wild strawberries, and red cherries, layered with subtle notes of savoury liquorice, violet, and a dusting of white pepper. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, soft, and beautifully balanced, featuring a silky core of ripe red fruits supported by fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. It concludes with a clean, smooth, and gently spiced finish. Perfect Pairings With its gentle tannins and lively acidity, this versatile red pairs exceptionally well with a wide variety of lighter dishes. Served slightly chilled, it is a brilliant match for duck pâté, terrines, roast chicken, and pan-roasted pork chops. It is also an ideal companion to grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, charcuterie boards, and soft cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, or Saint-Marcellin. Grape Varieties 100% Gamay