Once again, in my pursuit of Gamay, I am stepping outside of Beaujolais, this time to Côte Roannaise in the south of the Loire. I’m also finding this adventure a relatively affordable one, because Gamay is rarely expensive. I think this will change in time: in 20 years time, might Gamay be highly sought after? Who knows. I’d like it to be taken more seriously, but then on a personal, selfish level, I like its affordability.

Richard Kelley describes the Côte Roannaise – a small appellation of 220 hectares of vineyard – as the 11th cru of the Beaujolais. The soils here are granitic, and this wine does taste quite Beaujolais-like.

Domaine Sérol Les Originelles 2014 Côte Roannaise, France
12% alcohol. This is Gamay on granite, from an appellation in the south of the Loire. Lovely gravelly stony black fruits nose: floral and fruit driven. Sweet raspberry and cherry palate with a nice supple personality and good acidity, showing real finesse, and a bit of damson bite. Astonishingly drinkable. 89/100 (£8.50 The Wine Society)

Find this wine with wine-searcher.com