Château des Maladrets

Appellation:	Beaujolais-Villages A.O.C.
Colour:	Red
Grape variety:	Gamay
Soil:	Sand, granite
Surface:	13,5 hectares (34 acres)
Owners:	Jean-Pierre Lacroix
Production:	60 000 bottles

The estate:

The Château des Maladrets is a beautiful construction from the 19^th century located in Saint Julien, in front of a famous quarry, well known for its pure granite. The 34 acres are ideally exposed around the castle, on a south-east slope, overlooking the French Alps.
Claude Ratigner, the chief winegrower, and his team make a wine with great depth and with an excellent regularity, looking for a well structured and fruity wine. A part of the production is matured in wooden oaks which is very uncommon for the Beaujolais-Villages appellation.

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Tasting:

This wine associates fruity red berries and blackcurrant tastes with depth and elegance which is normally expected from a “Cru”.

Suggestions:

Serve it slightly chilled (11°- 13°C) with warm starters, chicken with cream or grilled fishes or sushis.

Ageing:

Drink it young, within 3 years.