Wines Chiroubles Château Raousset - Bel-Air - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Château Raousset’s Chiroubles Cuvée Bel-Air 2023 is a charming red wine crafted in the heart of the Beaujolais. Produced exclusively from Gamay, this cuvée showcases the grape’s finest attributes, with a youthful, bright ruby hue and an aromatic profile brimming with fresh red fruits like strawberry, cherry, and raspberry. The 2023 vintage, marked by favourable weather and optimal ripeness, delivers a vibrant palate that is both supple and elegant, underpinned by delicate floral notes and a gentle mineral touch reflecting the granitic soils of the cru. Gentle vinification methods are used to preserve the wine’s fruit-forward character, freshness, and soft tannic grip, making it especially approachable in its youth.

Chiroubles is the highest-elevation cru in Beaujolais, sitting between 250 and 450 metres above sea level. The region benefits from a semi-continental climate with warm summers tempered by cool nights, allowing the Gamay grape to develop complex aromatics and balanced acidity. The granitic terrain imparts finesse and an underlying minerality, giving Chiroubles its signature lightness and floral appeal. Beaujolais itself has a storied history of winemaking, long celebrated for wines of vivacity, subtlety, and conviviality, with Chiroubles often considered one of the most delicate and aromatic crus.

For food pairings, this Chiroubles is highly versatile. It shines alongside classic local fare such as charcuterie boards, coq au vin, or a traditional sausage in brioche. Its freshness makes it a delightful companion to roasted poultry, grilled salmon, or even a mushroom tart. The wine’s lively fruit profile can also complement light Asian-inspired dishes.

To fully appreciate its expressive bouquet and silky texture, serve Château Raousset Chiroubles Cuvée Bel-Air 2023 slightly chilled, ideally between 13-15°C. Decanting is optional for this youthful vintage, but a brief aeration will help reveal its aromatic complexity and lovely balance.