2024 Pierre-Marie Chermette Beaujolais Les Griottes

Pierre-Marie Chermette (formerly Domaine du Vissoux) is one of the true beacons of quality in Beaujolais, a producer who was championing sustainable farming long before it was fashionable.

'Les Griottes' is named after the grove of wild cherry trees that borders the vineyard in Saint-Vérand. While this is positioned as their approachable, early-drinking cuvée, the vines here are 30 to 40 years old—a serious age for an entry-level wine. Grown on the region's dark granite soils, these vines produce Gamay with genuine depth.

The winemaking remains steadfastly traditional: whole bunches, wild yeasts and semi-carbonic maceration in concrete tanks, followed by a short rest in old oak casks. It is the classic recipe for "real" Beaujolais.

The 2024 vintage was on the cooler side, which has gifted this wine a thirst-quenching energy. As the name suggests, it is packed with bright cherry fruit, alongside notes of blueberry, strawberry and a distinct "cherrystone" tang. It is light-to-medium bodied, crunchy and impossibly easy to drink.