Maison Louis Latour, Bourgogne Gamay (France) 2011

Bourgogne Gamey is a newly created appellation for Burgundy with the 2011 vintage that allows producers to blend Gamay grown in the crus, or named villages, of Beaujolais with Pinot Noir.  It differs and is a step above the longstanding and locally popular appellation Bourgogne Passetoutgrains because the Gamay for Passetoutgrains can come from anywhere within Beaujolais. With their first vintage, Maison Louis Latour has produced a thoroughly charming wine.  The earthy fruitiness of Gamay grown in superior places comes through and is buttressed by a pleasing firmness of Pinot Noir.  Low in tannins, it’s even more refreshing slightly chilled, which makes it a fine alternative to rosé for summertime drinking.  It’s the French countryside in a bottle.