Tasted with Julie Balagny in Les Thorins, 23 February 2023.
Domaine Julie Balagny
249 Route des Thorins,
71570 Romanèche-Thorins
Tel: +33 6 19 55 67 48
More reports with Julie Balagny
Julie on 2022:
“2022 it was really warm – April too, apart from the frost – then it was 30° in May. The summer was hot, a little cooler for the harvest then practically hot for the season in October and November too. I have sources of water particularly in the vines in Fleurie – they are currently dry – I’ve never seen that before, even in mid-summer. In the last months we only really had cold in the house from January. Despite 2018, 2022 is the first year I recognize the change in the climate. I still have my normal volume to sell – but I bought a little more from friends to facilitate that…”
Julie on 2021:
“It was complicated in the vines – so much rain – but the result was wines that are fresh. They are a pleasure after 2017-2020 – wines that are more Beaujolais, wines that remind of 2016 and 2013 – not 2010! I did have a lower volume in 21 – a mix of the frost and the wild boar! 11.0-12° natural – but I waited – harvesting from the end of September to the start of October.”
The wines…
Like Julie’s ‘style siblings’ chez Thillardon or Dutraive, the 2021 vintage has dovetailed wonderfully with this low intervention style of winemaking. Wines that give a large (metaphorical!) hug – such wonderful wines. In Beaujolais, like nowhere else, it’s important to note that there is no single truth in winemaking – these are wines from another place – but how delicious and moreish they are. In there own style, they are all great wines!
2021 VdF Dr Briçou
Old vines of 1912-1913 in Chénas
Pretty red fruit – Thillardon style – that’s very inviting. Vibrant, slightly petillant – juicy, invigorating, and absolutely delicious – slightly more acid showing in the finish – but never too much!
2021 Fleurie Dancing Queen
3 different styles of soil in the same parcel – depending on the year it’s 1 to 3 cuvées – it rained a lot before the harvest so I chose to blend to possibly help the fermentation – it worked out fine.
A small reduction but a style that reflects the previous – the red fruit a little ‘easier.’ Broader, more incisive – a touch more tannin – ooh this has a great middle and finishing energy – less obvious acidity too – that’s a lovely wine.
2021 B…j.l..s VdF
Broad and aromatic. Extra incisive, a hint of tannin – some citrus bitters too – but with embracing energy. A big hug from this despite such energy. Long finishing too – completely delicious…