Fleurie 2024 Yvon Metras

Granite sand, Gamay. Yvon Métras's Fleurie 2024 is a red wine produced in the Beaujolais, grown organically (BIO certified) on light granite-sand soil on a well-exposed slope.

Yields were lower across the Beaujolais region during the 2024 season. Véraison, the stage when the grapes change color, arrived early in August; while later than in 2023, it was still relatively early. The harvest was conducted entirely by hand and underwent a rigorous selection process, which is even more critical in years with low yields.

The winery adheres to a principle of minimal intervention. The wine primarily undergoes whole-cluster maceration, semi-carbonic, followed by a short period of aging in tanks or neutral containers. Oak barrels are not used at any stage. As a result, the wine features fresh red fruit aromas and a light, sandy texture rather than an oaky structure.

It offers aromas of raspberries and wild strawberries, with subtle floral notes characteristic of Gamay grapes grown in granite soil. The Fleurie 2024 is more juice-forward than dense. The fruit aromas come through first, with tannins remaining in the background, while acidity provides most of the structure. There are no oak notes whatsoever, so the fruit aromas aren't overshadowed by vanilla or toasted flavors. The finish is clean and short. This is a wine best enjoyed glass by glass rather than analyzed in depth.

It can be enjoyed young, and wines made in this manner generally show their best qualities during this period. It is best to open the bottle right away and decant it briefly into a carafe to let the carbonic lift settle. Serve slightly chilled at around 14°C.