Wines Côte-de-Brouilly Château Thivin - Les Griottes de Brulhié - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Château Thivin’s 2019 Cuvée Les Griottes de Brulhié exemplifies the finesse and vibrancy for which Côte-de-brouilly is renowned. Crafted exclusively from Gamay, this wine hails from distinctive volcanic slopes that imprint the local terroir upon every sip. The 2019 vintage benefitted from a sunny yet balanced season, yielding grapes of excellent ripeness that translated into a red wine imbued with lively cherry fruit, subtle floral notes, and a touch of earth. Château Thivin’s careful vinification, combining traditional methods such as semi-carbonic maceration and ageing in large, old foudres, preserves the grape’s natural juiciness while adding gentle complexity and polish to the tannins.

The Côte-de-brouilly appellation, perched on the slopes of the Mont Brouilly, sits at the heart of the Beaujolais region in eastern France. This area is characterised by its blue volcanic rock soils, which contribute distinctive mineral undertones and longevity to the wines. The vineyard’s exposure and elevation, coupled with a semi-continental climate of warm days and cool nights, enable Gamay to ripen fully whilst retaining freshness and balance. The history of viticulture here stretches back centuries, and estates like Château Thivin, founded in the 19th century, have played a pivotal role in upholding the region’s reputation for elegant, age-worthy Beaujolais crus.

This Côte-de-brouilly pairs beautifully with a range of dishes. Try it alongside traditional Beaujolais fare such as Lyonnaise sausages with lentils, charcuterie boards, or roast duck breast. Its freshness and subtle tannic grip also complement grilled chicken, mushroom risottos, or lighter red meats. For a regional touch, pair with a terrine de campagne or Saint-Marcellin cheese.

To fully appreciate its aromatic expressiveness and supple texture, serve the wine slightly cool, ideally at 14-16°C. Decanting for thirty minutes can help open the bouquet and reveal its layered fruit and mineral notes. In its youth, this wine bursts with vibrant fruit but will develop further complexity with a few more years in the bottle if you choose to cellar it.