Domaine Berthaut-Gerbet Fixin Les Crais 2021

Sourced from a well-regarded single vineyard on the lower slopes of the village, the name "Crais" refers to the stony, chalky soils characteristic of the site. Here, the terrain is composed of alluvial fans of limestone scree and gravelly wash, providing exceptional drainage that forces the vines to struggle. Amélie treats this site with the same elite precision as her Grand Cru parcels, focusing on maintaining the vineyard's natural energy. In the cellar, the fruit is typically destemmed to emphasize purity and elegance, followed by a gentle maceration and aging in mostly seasoned French oak barrels to ensure the delicate mineral signature of the chalky soil remains the focal point.

In the glass, the wine displays a bright, translucent ruby-red color with shimmering violet reflections. The nose is exceptionally high-toned and mineral-forward, greeting the senses with a vibrant bouquet of wild strawberries, red currants, and tart raspberries, beautifully layered with nuances of wet stones, violets, and a hint of white pepper. On the palate, 'Les Crais' is a masterclass in tension and finesse, offering a lean, energetic core of crunchy red fruit that feels remarkably light on its feet. This transparency is structurally supported by a fine-grained, chalky network of tannins and a piercing spine of limestone-driven acidity that provides superb vertical lift. It concludes with a clean, salt-tinged finish that echoes with red fruit skins and crushed rock.