Jean Francois Merieau Gamay

Jean-François Mérieau is a fourth-generation vigneron based in the tiny village of Saint-Julien-de-Chédon in the Touraine, farming nearly 35 hectares in conversion to organic certification. His Gamay comes from 10 hectares of vines on clay-limestone soils facing south-southeast, hand-harvested and fermented via carbonic maceration. The result is the Loire Valley's answer to Beaujolais — but with more nervy tension, higher-pitched minerality, and a crisp, clean character that makes it completely its own thing. Red cherry, strawberry, and raspberry on a bright, lively palate with a delicate floral lift. Best served slightly chilled.