Introduction
The 2022 Château de Durette Régnié "Les Bruyères" is a vibrant and expressive Gamay from Régnié, one of the ten crus of Beaujolais. Known for its bright fruit and floral elegance, Régnié is celebrated as a cru that produces fresh, approachable wines with complexity and finesse. Château de Durette’s "Les Bruyères" captures the spirit of this region, offering an aromatic and structured wine that highlights both the quality of the 2022 vintage and the unique terroir of Beaujolais.

Terrior
Régnié is situated in the northern part of Beaujolais, where the soils are predominantly composed of granite and sandy clay. This terroir allows the Gamay grapes to develop a distinct minerality and freshness, as well as concentrated fruit flavors. The vineyards of "Les Bruyères" benefit from ideal sun exposure and a temperate climate, which encourages even ripening. The granite-rich soils contribute to the wine's characteristic minerality and finesse, while the sunny 2022 growing season provided the grapes with excellent ripeness.

Appearance
Bright ruby red with purple highlights, reflecting the wine’s youthful vibrancy. The wine is clear and has a medium viscosity, suggesting a fresh and approachable body.

Nose
The nose is aromatic and lively, with notes of ripe raspberry, red cherry, and wild strawberry, accented by hints of violet and rose petal. Subtle notes of crushed granite, white pepper, and a touch of earthy spice add complexity, while a faint minerality rounds out the aromatic profile.

Palate
Medium-bodied and fresh, the palate reveals flavors of juicy red berries, including cherry and cranberry, balanced by a lively acidity. The tannins are soft and smooth, providing a gentle structure without overpowering the fruit. Notes of dried herbs, white pepper, and a touch of earthiness bring depth, while the granite soil influence is evident in the wine’s underlying minerality. The balance of fruit, acidity, and minerality makes this wine refreshing and food-friendly.

Finish
The finish is clean and vibrant, with lingering notes of red fruit and a hint of floral and mineral undertones. The wine’s bright acidity and elegant structure leave a lasting impression, highlighting the wine’s freshness and regional character.

Overall Impression
The 2022 Château de Durette Régnié "Les Bruyères" is a delightful and well-crafted example of Régnié, showing off the lively fruit and subtle complexity that make Beaujolais wines so appealing. With its balance of freshness, minerality, and soft tannins, this wine is perfect for pairing with a wide range of dishes, from charcuterie and cheeses to roasted poultry and Mediterranean cuisine. It is approachable now but could develop more nuance over the next 2-4 years.

Published Rankings
Wine Enthusiast Rating: 90
Wine Enthusiast: 90

Published Awards and Recognition
Awarded a Silver Medal at the 2023 International Wine Challenge; featured in Decanter’s "Top Beaujolais Wines of the Year"; recommended by Wine Enthusiast as a "Best Value Cru Beaujolais."

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 13%
Farming Practices: Sustainable
Producer Name: Château de Durette
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: France
Region: Régnié, Beaujolais, Burgundy
Grape Varietals: 100% Gamay
Vintage: 2022
Wine Style: Dry Red
Winemaking Techniques: Traditional fermentation in stainless steel to preserve fruit purity; aged in neutral oak barrels to enhance texture without masking the varietal character
Pack Size: 750 ml
Container Style: Bottle
Closure Style: Cork