Cave Verdier-Logel, Cuvee Des Gourmets, 2024

The remote and somewhat unknown Côtes du Forez appellation is located between the Loire and Allier rivers in the centre of France. Domaine Verdier-Logel is the leading estate of this small and obscure appellation where vineyards are few and far between. The Côtes du Forez hillsides are foothills of the volcanic mountains of the Massif Central and have soils of granite and volcanic composition. Due to the difficult climate only parcels with the best exposition and soils are planted to grapevines. The appellation’s laws mandate Gamay as the sole grape to be used and Verdier-Logel produces separate wines from volcanic soils and granite soils. These soils impart a rich earthy fragrance to the wines which combines well with the elegant fruitiness of the gamay grape.