Region: Beaujolais, France

Varietal: 100% Gamay

Tasting Notes: Lithe and energetic, the 2022 “En Besset” delivers vibrant red berry fruit—think raspberry, cherry skin, and wild strawberry—underscored by savory herbal notes and a subtle granitic edge. The palate is juicy and bright, with fine-grained tannins and just enough grip to frame the fruit. There’s a tension and lift here that hints at the wine’s altitude, making it both easy-drinking and quietly sophisticated. Serve with a slight chill for maximum refreshment.

Producer:Domaine de Fa is the Beaujolais outpost of the Graillot family, best known for their benchmark Syrah wines from Crozes-Hermitage. Brothers Maxime and Antoine Graillot established the domaine in 2013 after acquiring vineyards in the northern part of Beaujolais, driven by a desire to explore the region’s often-overlooked potential for serious, age-worthy wines. Though still relatively young, Domaine de Fa has quickly earned acclaim for its thoughtful, low-intervention approach and its ability to channel the energy and nuance of site-specific Gamay. “En Besset” reflects this philosophy in full, offering a pure and expressive snapshot of the appellation’s northern terroir.

Vineyard & Winemaking: The fruit for “En Besset” comes from a high-elevation, granite-rich vineyard near the border of Saint-Amour and Julienas. Farmed organically and worked by hand, the site benefits from cooler temperatures and thin, rocky soils that naturally limit yields and extend ripening. Fermentation is carried out with native yeasts, and whole-cluster maceration is favored to retain freshness and structure. The wine is aged in a mix of cement tanks and neutral oak, allowing the purity of Gamay and the signature minerality of the site to take center stage.