Viniou Reviews
Château Thivin’s Cuvée Zaccharie 2023 expresses the singular character of Côte-de-Brouilly, one of Beaujolais’ most lauded crus. Created exclusively from the Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc grape, this blend is crafted from some of the estate's oldest vines, which imbue the wine with remarkable depth and complexity. The volcanic soils of Mont Brouilly lend tension and minerality, while organic viticulture further enhances the grape’s purity and sense of place. The winemaking at Château Thivin is traditional, employing whole-cluster fermentation and ageing in large oak vats, which preserves the lively fruit profile while adding subtle structure and nuance. The 2023 vintage, marked by favourable weather and balanced ripening, yields a vibrant yet generous wine, delivering layers of red cherry, wild blackberry, violets, and a delicate mineral spine.
Beaujolais itself, located in eastern France just south of Burgundy, is renowned for its rolling vineyards on granite and volcanic soils. Côte-de-Brouilly sits on the slopes of Mont Brouilly, an extinct volcano, granting the appellation its distinctive blue stone terroir. This microclimate, with perfect sun exposure and excellent drainage, is ideal for producing Gamays of both finesse and ageing potential. The region has a rich winemaking history dating back to Roman times, and today its wines are enjoying a renaissance, thanks in part to a new focus on organic practices and terroir-driven bottlings like Château Thivin’s Cuvée Zaccharie.
This vibrant and refined Beaujolais pairs beautifully with classic local dishes such as coq au vin, charcuterie, or a traditional terrine de campagne. Its freshness and delicate tannins make it a lovely match for roasted poultry, grilled lamb chops, or oven-baked root vegetables. For a more adventurous pairing, try it alongside roast duck with cherries, or even lightly spiced Asian cuisine.
To enjoy this wine at its best, serve slightly chilled at 14-16°C. Decanting for around 30 minutes will help reveal its aromatic complexity. The Cuvée Zaccharie 2023 can be savoured now for its vivid primary fruit, or cellared for several years to develop even greater finesse and silky texture.
