Domaine Des Pierres Dorées 2013

The supple, fruity wines of Beaujolais are well worth seeking out, especially in good vintages like 2013. Domaine des Pierres Dorées is a family property owned by Jean-Paul Devay, whose grandfather planted vineyards in the 1890s. Based in the village of Le Breuil, it takes its name from the golden colour of the local stone from which many of the pretty villages are built. Vintage in this region is important and in 2013 it was good to excellent. Picking started three weeks late and quantity was down, but the ripeness of the fruit was superb thanks to a warm summer and great sunlight. With fresh, juicy berry notes and incomparable quaffability, this wine is great on its own, on a picnic, or with a cold spread of ham, pâté and crusty bread.