COLOUR
Red
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2022
GRAPE
100% Gamay
PRODUCER
Sylvain Martel
REGION
Beaujolais
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium - Full
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
Medium - High
Finish
Medium - Long
Intensity
Mid - Pronounced
Tannins
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
The Bessay 2022 by Sylvain Martel is a 100% Gamay from the Juliénas AOC in Beaujolais, France. It originates from a specific plot, 'Bessay,' characterized by its high altitude (over 400 meters), steep slopes, and unique 'blue stone' and schist soils. The vines are over 50 years old, farmed organically using traditional methods. Sylvain Martel, a winemaker with prior experience in the Southern Rhône and Beaujolais, began his own project in 2018 with a focus on low-intervention winemaking. The 2022 vintage, shaped by a warm and dry season, yielded concentrated wines with potential for freshness. Production is very limited, with only a mere 3,600 bottles made.
ALCOHOL
AVG. PRICE
€38
STYLE
Natural
SULPHITES
YES
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
14-16°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
Vineyards are over 50 years old, situated on steep slopes above 400 meters.
Fact 02
Terroir is defined by unique 'blue stones' (diorite) and schist.
Fact 03
Total production is a mere 3,600 bottles.
Fact 04
Winemaking follows the teachings of the legendary Jules Chauvet.
FOOD PAIRING
Read more
WINE MAKING PROCESS
The Bessay 2022 is produced using semi-carbonic maceration with native yeasts and whole grape bunches, a method influenced by the teachings of Jules Chauvet. Following fermentation, the wine matures for 9 months in old barrels, followed by a short period in vats. It is bottled without fining or filtration, preserving its natural character. The vineyard is farmed organically, and the winemaking process emphasizes minimal intervention to allow the unique terroir of the Bessay plot to express itself.
