Wines Fleurie Château Raousset - Grille-Midi - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Château Raousset’s Fleurie Cuvée Grille-Midi 2022 is a classic expression of one of Beaujolais’s most celebrated crus. Crafted exclusively from Gamay, this red wine highlights the delicate yet vibrant character typical of Fleurie. The 2022 vintage experienced a favourable growing season, allowing the Gamay grapes ample sunshine and a balanced ripening period, resulting in a wine with aromatic freshness and supple structure. Vinified traditionally in temperature-controlled tanks, this cuvée emphasises fruit purity with subtle floral nuances, often gaining complexity from a short period of ageing on fine lees. The Grille-Midi parcel is renowned for its granitic soils, imparting a mineral backbone and elegance to the final wine.

The Fleurie appellation, tucked into the northern part of Beaujolais, benefits from a temperate semi-continental climate with some Mediterranean influence, giving the wines their signature freshness and perfume. The area’s rolling hills and predominantly pink granite soils foster wines characterised by finesse, aromatic intensity, and silky tannins. Beaujolais itself has a long winemaking history dating back to Roman times, but Fleurie only gained official recognition as an AOC in 1936. Today, it is considered one of the most feminine and fragrant crus, appreciated for its accessible, charming style and its ability to age gracefully over several years.

This Fleurie is a versatile companion at the table. Its floral notes of violets and peonies, layered with raspberries and subtle spice, harmonise particularly well with roasted poultry, duck breast with cherries, or rabbit in mustard sauce. It also shines alongside dishes from the local cuisine, such as saucisson brioché or a simple Lyonnaise salad with lardons and poached egg. Lighter fare like grilled salmon or roasted root vegetables will also complement its finesse.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine very slightly chilled, ideally at 14-15°C. Decanting for half an hour will allow its bouquet to open fully. Enjoy it now for its exuberant fruit, or cellar for up to five years to appreciate its evolving complexity.