Château Thivin "Cuvée Zaccharie" Côte de Brouilly 2023

Winemaking

Château Thivin has long been recognized as one of Beaujolais's most serious producers, crafting Gamay wines with the care and precision typically reserved for far grander appellations. The estate's philosophy centers on respecting the fruit and terroir of Côte de Brouilly, allowing the vineyard's unique characteristics to shine through rather than overwhelming the wine with extraction or oak.

Tasting Notes

This cuvée opens with inviting aromas of dark cherry and ripe plum, layered with delicate floral notes and a whisper of white pepper. On the palate, the wine reveals its elegance through silky tannins and vibrant acidity, with flavors of red berries and a distinctive mineral undertone that speaks to the granite soils underfoot. The finish is clean and linear, with a graceful persistence that lingers without heaviness—exactly what you want from a serious Côte de Brouilly.

Producer

Château Thivin is a small, quality-focused estate in the heart of Côte de Brouilly, the steepest and most mineral-driven of Beaujolais's ten crus. The vineyard's position on the slopes of the extinct volcanic Mont de Brouilly, combined with traditional low-intervention winemaking, allows the estate to produce wines of surprising depth and aging potential for the appellation.

Terroir

Côte de Brouilly sits on the steep southern slopes of Mont de Brouilly, a granite and porphyry outcrop that rises above the Beaujolais plain. The granite-rich soils drain quickly and demand lower yields, concentrating flavors in the fruit. The cool morning shadows and warm afternoon exposure create the perfect balance for Gamay, producing wines with both ripeness and mineral tension.

Food Pairings

Try this wine alongside roasted Cornish hen with herbs and pan juices, or a classic French-style beef daube with mushrooms and pearl onions. For a more casual pairing, it's equally at home with a well-made charcuterie board featuring cured meats and aged Comté cheese.