Théo Dancer Vin de France Botanica Gamay 2023

Théo Dancer’s Gamay is sourced from an organic grower in Chiroubles. The winemaking remains the same as previous releases, with the grapes fully destemmed and the wine fermented and matured in amphora and old cask. It’s interesting to note that Dancer’s fellow Burgundian, Benoît Moreau, also makes Chiroubles using a similar, non-carbonic technique. The belief is that a longer, ‘Pinot-like’ fermentation allows the wine to transmit more of its site. Either way, the result is impressive, with lovely purity and gorgeous aromatics. In simple terms, this is an infusion-style Gamay, with a bright, red-fruited personality, all kinds of berries and floral notes but with ink and anise kicking on the finish to remind us, along with the length and the fine powdery tannins, that this is a serious wine! About as classy and fine as Beaujolais gets.