Julien Sunier Beaujolais Villages Wild Soul 2023

Julien Sunier ‘Wild Soul’
Beaujolais, France – Biodynamic Red Wine

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Description
Originally from Burgundy — where he worked from Beaune to Nuits-Saint-Georges — Julien Sunier forged strong ties with the legendary Christophe Roumier before expanding his horizons in California and New Zealand. Upon returning to France, Julien secured some of the best-positioned old vines across 9 hectares in the highest hills of three of Beaujolais’ most prestigious crus: Morgon, Fleurie and Régnié. His farming is fully organic, and the focus is on expressing the granite soils in an elegant, almost ethereal style with a delicate tannin structure. Beaujolais with a ‘Chambollic’ soul!

“Julien Sunier established his own small domaine in 2008, after working with Christophe Roumier in Chambolle-Musigny, and has quickly emerged as one of the region’s rising stars. Committed to organic farming from the outset, he uses whole-cluster fermentation in cement vats at low temperatures, followed by élevage in used Burgundy barrels. His style is delicate, elegant and perfumed, emphasizing grace and charm.”
— William Kelley, Robert Parker

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Wild Soul
This vineyard is planted on very stony, shallow granite soils with a presence of blue stone (diorite), covering 2.8 hectares at an altitude of 400 metres.

Julien’s winemaking philosophy is all about fruit purity, employing cool carbonic fermentation with no aim for extraction. Alcoholic fermentation proceeds spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, and no SO2 is added during vinification or ageing. Racking is performed manually, and pressing is done using traditional vertical presses. The wine is bottled unfiltered with minimal added sulphites.

Ageing takes place in a 3,000-litre ovoid concrete tank and horizontal vats, allowing extended lees contact to preserve fruit expression and avoid premature oxidation.

The ‘Wild Soul’ cuvée is a light, easygoing and incredibly versatile red. Its freshness and purity stem from highly aromatic Gamay grown on granite soils — a faithful reflection of terroir.

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Tasting Notes
Vibrant red fruit — raspberry, wild strawberry, floral notes — with a juicy, mineral-driven palate. Light-bodied, with smooth tannins and an irresistible drinkability.

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Perfect Pairings
• Charcuterie and pâtés
• Roast chicken with herbs
• Grilled vegetables
• Lightly spiced Asian dishes
• Casual aperitifs

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