Domaine La Creuze Noire's Cuvée Belle Vue 2024 from the Saint-Amour appellation is a delightful representation of Beaujolais' northernmost cru. Crafted predominantly from the Gamay grape, this youthful red wine showcases the varietal’s hallmark vibrancy and charm. The 2024 vintage promises freshness and exuberant fruit, likely due to careful hand-harvesting and traditional semi-carbonic maceration, a technique commonly employed in the region to emphasise aromatics and suppleness. Expect a bouquet of redcurrants, wild strawberries, and subtle floral notes, supported by a silky, refreshing palate and a vivacious finish.
The Saint-Amour appellation lies at the very top of Beaujolais, bordering the Mâconnais. The region benefits from a temperate continental climate with warm summers and moderate rainfall, which allows Gamay to attain a balanced ripeness while preserving lively acidity. Soils in Saint-Amour are varied, with a mixture of granite, clay, and schist contributing to the appellation’s slight mineral undertones and finesse. Beaujolais itself boasts a viticultural history stretching back to Roman times, and Saint-Amour, with its romantic name and elegant wines, occupies a special place among the region’s ten crus.
This style of Saint-Amour is remarkably versatile at the table. Its freshness and light body make it a fine companion for classic dishes such as charcuterie, coq au vin, or roast poultry. It pairs equally well with goat’s cheese salads, grilled vegetables, or regional specialities like andouillette sausage. You might also try it slightly chilled alongside Provençal dishes, or with lighter cheeses and terrines for a classic French touch.
When serving Domaine La Creuze Noire Cuvée Belle Vue 2024, a slight chill enhances its lively fruit and aromatic purity. Aim for a serving temperature of 12-14°C, which accentuates its delicate structure and seductive bouquet. Enjoy its youthful exuberance now, or hold for a couple of years to allow additional complexity to develop.
