Julien Sunier Gamay, Fleurie, Beaujolais, France 2020

Dijon born surfer turned Cru Beaujolais, natural wine champion, Julien has extensive experience working for notable organic and biodynamic estates in Burgundy (Christophe Roumier), New Zealand, California, and 2018 marks his 10th year farming his own organic vineyards. Vintage in and vintage out his wines are deft, clean, and clearly express site with a captivating transparency.

• Winemaker: Julien Sunier
  
• Varieties: Gamay (old Vine)
  
• Farming: Organic (certified), natural
  
• Terroir: At almost 500 meters in elevation, the steeply pitched parcel of “Niagara” is the source of Julien’s Fleurie cuvée. Planted in the early 1960s to a density of 10000 vines per hectare. Mother rock of pure pink granite with little topsoil, the parcel is rocky and a challenge to work. 
  
• Vinification: Harvesting done entirely by hand. Semi-carbonic indigenous yeast fermentation in concrete vats at low temperatures. After fermentations are complete, fruit is slowly pressed, over a 24 hour period, using an ancient vertical press Julien acquired in the Côte D’Or.
• Aging: Up to 11 months in 3 - 9 year old Burgundy barrels
  
• Tasting Notes: black cherries and spices; the pallet is ample possessing beautiful silky tannins. Bright, floral and high-toned but with an ethereal texture and a beguiling, long finish.