Laura Lardy Moulin-à-Vent “Le Mont” 2022
Gamay
France, Beaujolais
Moulin-à-Vent, one of the most prestigious Beaujolais Crus, takes its name from the iconic windmill that proudly marks the landscape. This region is renowned for its pink granite soils, which impart unique characteristics to the wines.*
Laura Lardy’s Le Mont exceeds expectations with elegance and grace. The grapes are sourced from a north-facing plot, protected from the heat waves of summer ‘22, resulting in a wine that preserves freshness while offering structure with a steady grip.
In the glass, the wine shows a deep ruby colour with vibrant purple highlights. The nose offers clean, enticing aromas of pomegranate, red cherry, and red plum, complemented by floral notes of rose and violets. Subtle hints of star anise and liquorice add layers of complexity, culminating in a refined and delightful finish.
* Pink granite soil, or “gore/grès”, is one of keys to Beaujolais wine. Soft, crumbly, with manganese seams, it is especially notable in the Moulin-à-Vent region, creating distinct wines. This soil allows good drainage, promoting minerality and vibrant acidity in the wines.
Porous soil and limited water make vines grow deeper roots, strengthening them and enhancing resilience. While stress lowers grape yields, it leads to more concentrated sugars, acids, and phenolic compounds—essential elements for creating complex and well-balanced wines.
FOOD PAIRING
Starters:
- Duck Rillette: The rich and savory flavor of duck rillette will balance the wine’s fruity and floral notes.
- Charcuterie Board: Featuring a selection of cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and pâté, alongside olives and cornichons, to enhance the wine’s complexity.
Main Courses:
- Coq au Vin: A classic French dish where chicken is braised in red wine, bringing out the wine’s earthy and fruity elements.
- Grilled Lamb Chops with Rosemary: The robust flavor of lamb with aromatic rosemary will pair beautifully with the wine’s red fruit and floral notes.
- Beef Bourguignon: Slow-cooked beef with mushrooms, carrots, and pearl onions in a rich red wine sauce to complement the Gamay’s depth and silkiness.
Cheeses:
- Brie or Camembert: The creamy texture of these cheeses will highlight the wine’s floral and fruity aromas.
- Comté: A nutty and slightly sweet cheese that will resonate with the wine’s nuanced flavors.
Desserts:
- Cherry Clafoutis: A French dessert with baked cherries that will mirror the wine’s red cherry and plum notes.
- Poached Pears in Red Wine: Pears poached with spices and red wine, echoing the wine’s complex profile and aromatic finish.
Starters:
- Beet Carpaccio: Thinly sliced beets with arugula, goat cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze will highlight the wine’s fruity and floral notes.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Filled with garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs, these will provide a savory balance to the wine’s red fruit flavors.
Main Courses:
- Mushroom Wellington: A vegetarian take on the classic dish with mushrooms, spinach, and herbs wrapped in puff pastry, which will complement the wine’s earthy and silky characteristics.
- Roasted Vegetable Tart: A tart filled with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes to pair with the wine’s aromatic complexity.
- Lentil and Walnut Stuffed Bell Peppers: The hearty filling and spices will resonate with the wine’s subtle hints of star anise and liquorice.
Cheeses:
- Brie or Camembert: The creamy texture of these cheeses will enhance the wine’s floral and fruity aromas.
- Aged Manchego: A nutty and slightly sweet cheese that will bring out the wine’s nuanced flavors.
Desserts:
- Berry Crumble: A dessert with mixed berries that will mirror the wine’s red fruit notes.
- Chocolate and Raspberry Tart: The rich chocolate and tart raspberries will pair beautifully with the wine’s refined finish.