Olivier Ravier – Fleurie – 2022

PRODUCER NOTE:
With over 42 years experience, Olivier Ravier is one of the most iconic and respected winemakers in Beaujolais. He is a former President of the Beaujolais growers association and has been appointed as an expert at the National Institute of the French wines appellation by the French government. His in-depth knowledge of the region, its climate, and the Gamay variety, is second-to-none. Living in the heart of the Fleurie appellation, he produces wines which overflow with typicity from the Beaujolais terroir.

VINTAGE:
The weather provided challenging conditions during the 2022 vintage. Beaujolais was affected by spring frosts, which reduced yields. The exceptionally hot, dry summer that ensued created drought conditions which further reduced yields. An unpredictable hailstorm in August, wreaked havoc in some vineyards, but rain also fell alleviating the hydric stress. September provided cooler nights allowing the grapes to reach good maturity levels balanced by freshness. Although the crop was reduced in quantity, the quality remained high producing richly concentrated wines with balanced acidity.

VINEYARD:
Fleurie is one of the 10 Beaujolais Crus and is renowned for the elegance and finesse of its wines, which is linked to the pink granite soils. The vines which produce this wine have an average age of over 40 years old and these old, gnarly Gobelet trained vines thrive in granitic and sandy soils, which accounts for the aromatic finesse of this cuvee. The grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness.

WINEMAKING:
The grapes were vinified in the traditional way, with a semi-carbonic maceration lasting for 10 to 12 days. Fermentation was temperature controlled throughout and was followed by malolactic conversion, resulting in a softer style of wine.

TASTING NOTES:
Quintessential Fleurie with subtle floral aromas surrounding a core of deep red fruits. The palate is full of finesse, with a rich and silky texture and an attractive hint of bitter cocoa on the finish.

GRAPE:
Gamay 100%

COUNTRY:
France

REGION:
Beaujolais

SUB REGION:
Fleurie