Clos De La Roilette Fleurie Griffe Du Marquis, Domaine Coudert, 2020

Domaine Coudert’s Fleurie Clos de la Roilette Griffe du Marquis is no ordinary Fleurie. Aged for 12 months in used Burgundy barrels, it’s a bold, structured take on Gamay with serious ageing potential - think dark berries, plum, violets, and a touch of earth and spice, all wrapped in firm acidity and fine tannins.

The name “Marquis” is a nod to a charming village nickname for winemaker Alain Coudert’s mother, affectionately dubbed “la Marquise” by a family friend. Sourced from two parcels of 80-year-old vines on clay and granite soils bordering Moulin-à-Vent, only 12 barrels (around 3,000 bottles) are made each year.

The oak isn’t there to dominate but to support the wine’s depth and texture. It starts out tight, but give it a couple of years - or more - and it opens up beautifully. A recent tasting of the first vintage (2009) at lunch with Alain proved this wine’s incredible longevity - it was still vibrant, layered, and stunning.

This is serious Fleurie with soul - silky, spicy, and full of character.

• ❖ ABV: 14%