ABOUT: Charly Thevenet is the son of Jean-Paul Thevenet, one of the pioneers of top shelf, tastes-nothing-like-Hubba-Bubba Beaujolais. He farms a tiny parcel of 80 year old Gamay vines in Regnie, an ancient wine growing area said to date back 2000 years. It sits perfectly in the foothills of the Cote du Py with higher altitude than most, and unique pinky granite soil which contribute to its inky, herbaceous, and full bodied wines. Organic and biodynamic practices are in play, again, no bubble gum. TASTE: This is where Gamay in Beaujolais starts to take on characteristics of Pinot Noir from their northern neighbors. Immediately noticeable are the tannins, that it has them, and they are fine. The wine is full-ish bodied, full of herbs and dark fruits. Charly doesn’t do carbonic maceration so the bright red fruit character is absent. All darkness and richness and the undoubtable power to develop for another ten years. PAIR: Pesto penne with pine nuts, mushroom risotto with roasted butternut squash, grilled bok choy with sesame ginger garlic sauce, roasted cauliflower with walnut and caper dressing, and a perfectly greeassy cheesy quesadilla.
