Antoine Lienhardt Gamayoptère 'Gamay du Pierrot'

Vintage: 2023

Origin: Burgundy, France (Côteaux Bourguignons)

Grapes: 2/3 Gamay, 1/3 Pinot Noir

Alcohol: 12.5%

Gamayoptere is Antoine's lovely tribute to Gamay from organically farmed vines in the northern Burgundy village of Fixin, named after the grower Pierrot who tends these clay-limestone soils. The whole clusters undergo seven days of semi-carbonic maceration after foot-treading, then spend seven months ageing across three different vessels – mostly stainless steel with touches of amphora and fibreglass egg. The result is crushable Gamay with superb juice showing notes of red fruit, more like white cherries, with fine young tannins that are soft and approachable. There's a lovely background richness with a finish of great fruity freshness and substance, making it perfect for drinking young and slightly chilled - an exuberant, lively introduction to Antoine's world beyond Pinot Noir.