2020 Raphael Chopin Morgon "Les Charmes"

Raphael Chopin's ancestors have a history cultivating wine grapes in Beaujolais dating all the way back to the 17th century. However, when Raphael's grandfather decided to retire, this history nearly came to an end. Enter Raphael, who after studying winemaking abroad in Australia, returned and began rebuilding his grandfather's estate in 2009. Raphael has vineyard parcels scattered throughout Beaujolais that he harvests by hand organically, and his holdings include a parcel in the village of Morgon, where this particular cuveé originates. Though Morgon can be fairly dense, at least as far as Beaujolais is concerned, this is on the lighter end of the spectrum with berries and cherry fruit and a nice mineral edge. Like most Beaujolais, this is a versatile wine that can be drank alone or paired with lighter fare or seafood, but it also has the acidity to cut through and make itself known for heartier dishes as well. The perfect wine to bring to a gathering when you have no idea what (if anything) is on the menu for the evening other than good times!