Originally from Burgundy, Romauld Valot has spent the past decade forging a new path in the remote hills of the Beaujolais. Born into a family of vignerons, he spent decades working for classic producers in Burgundy and was left disenchanted by the amount of chemicals used in the vineyards and the tricks being played in the cellar. In 2013 he bought a small cottage, cuverie and three hectares of vines in the hills above Beaujeu, way out in Beaujolais’ west. The vines are planted over granite and are a hundred years old. At five hundred metres above sea level, they are amongst the very highest in the region but most importantly, they are a world away from most in the area, allowing Romauld to be alone with nature. He has since acquired a further eight hectares of vines elsewhere in the region, and also farms a hectare in the Côte de Beaune’s Ladoix, from which he produces a sublime Pinot Noir.

A blend of old vine Gamay planted over granite and quartz on the steep slopes of Chiroubles and Chénas. A deep shade of ruby, it is a little reduced and carries a gentle spritz upon opening, air revealing a lively, delicious and nourishing wine that’s all brambly fruit, minerals and anise.