Domaine Gilles Paris Chiroubles Vieilles Vignes 2020

Winemaking

Gilles Paris approaches winemaking with a focus on expressing the true character of old-vine Gamay, allowing the fruit and terroir to speak for themselves. His Vieilles Vignes cuvée demonstrates a commitment to quality over quantity, emphasizing the finesse and complexity that mature vines can deliver from Chiroubles' distinctive terroir.

Tasting Notes

This wine opens with inviting aromas of red cherries and raspberries, layered with delicate floral notes and a whisper of white pepper—classic markers of thoughtfully-grown Gamay. The palate is silky and refined, with elegant tannins that frame flavors of bright red fruit alongside mineral undertones that speak to the granite-based soils. A clean, persistent finish carries a subtle peppery note that lingers pleasantly, making this a wine that rewards sipping but never demands too much attention.

Producer

Domaine Gilles Paris is a small estate dedicated to showcasing the potential of Chiroubles through careful viticulture and restrained winemaking. The domaine focuses on old-vine parcels, believing that mature Gamay vines produce wines of greater complexity and precision than younger plantings.

Terroir

Chiroubles sits in the northernmost reaches of Beaujolais, where granite-rich soils and a cooler microclimate produce Gamay of exceptional elegance. The region's elevation and eastern exposure encourage slow ripening, preserving the wine's natural acidity and delicate fruit character while the granite subsoil imparts mineral salinity that adds polish and refinement.

Food Pairings

Serve this alongside a simple grilled chicken breast with herbs and lemon, where its silky texture and bright acidity won't overpower the dish. It's equally at home with a more composed preparation like pan-seared duck breast with cherry gastrique, where the wine's mineral core and peppery finish complement the richness beautifully. For an informal pairing, try it with charcuterie and aged Comté—the wine's red fruit and mineral notes will cut through the salt and fat with ease.