Verdier-Logel 'La Volcanique' Gamay Cotes du Forez 2024 (Loire Valley, France)

Verdier-Logel delivers lovely Gamay out of the tiny appellation of Côtes du Forez (located on the southern tip of the Loire). This little known micro-region has a notoriously difficult climate for grape-growing, but luckily Gamay loves the volcanic soils found here and absolutely thrives.  The ‘La Volcanique,’ which is named after these treasured soils, is a rustic yet super quaffable wine. Silky tannins and a lean, austere minerality meet bright, fresh notes of raspberry and red cherry and a hint of black pepper. Try it with a slight chill to really bring out the crunchy red fruit and juicy acidity.  Food Ideas: Bacon & frisee salad with poached egg, herb-crusted lamb chops, mushroom stroganoff, roast chicken with plums  ABV: 12.5%