Clos de la Roilette sits on the edge of the Moulin-à-Vent cru which helps create a bolder style of Fleurie than the more traditional style. The clay soils here are rich in manganese in contrast with the more typical granite soils of Fleurie and are planted with old vines of up to 80 years in age. A portion of these old vines are used to craft the Griffe du Marquis which is the estate’s only barrel-aged Beaujolais.
To ensure exceptional quality in the finished wine, the vineyards are carefully farmed manually and the grapes are harvested by hand. In the winery fermentation is carried out using wild yeasts in large open vats. The Griffe du Marquis produced in extremely limited quantities each year and is widely regarded as a benchmark wine for Fleurie and for the wider Beaujolais region.
The wine opens with seductive hints of bright red berries and cherries while the first sip reveals a crisp acidity balanced by smooth tannins and hints of dried herbs and licorice. The medium body and well-developed structure make this a great wine to enjoy alongside red meats and charcuterie as well as hard cheeses.