2023 ALIEN BLANC VDF

TRY ME IF YOU LOVE: Muscadet

ABV: 13.5%

GRAPES: 100% Aligote

TASTING NOTES: Honeydew melon, chalky, medium bodied, vibrant, energetic, juicy mid-palate with plenty of crisp tree fruit and minerality, generous, tons of tension.

PAIRS WITH: Pairs well with fresh seafood, bright vegetable dishes, and creamy or aged cheeses.

SERVE ME: Chilled, pop in the fridge for a couple of hours.

Raphael Saint-Cyr is the fourth generation vigneron at the Domaine Saint-Cyr, which was created by his great-grandfather, Pierre Saint-Cyr. The estate is located in Anse, found at the southern edge of the Beaujolais. When Raphael took over the winemaking in 2008, he let go of a large portion of Beaujolais vines around the winery and acquired vines further north in the crus of Morgon, Regnié, Chénas, and Moulin-à-Vent. Having seen his grandfather and uncle get sick from the chemicals used to treat their vines, Raphael was immediately convinced to convert the entire 23 hectare domaine to certified organic viticulture, making Domaine Saint Cyr one of the largest organic domaines in the Beaujolais.

The Alien is from 90 year old Aligote vines planted on clay soils.  The grapes are hand harvested, then directly pressed and fermented with natural yeasts.  The wine then spends 24 months on the lees in oak barrels,  during which natural malolactic fermentation takes place.  Bottled without filtration or sulphites.