2013 Maison L'Envoye Moulin-a-Vent Terres De The Vieilles Vignes

Maison L’Envoye, or “the house of the messenger,” is an international wine making and distribution enterprise founded by Oregon winemaker Mark Tarlov and Old Bridge Cellars, a wine importer led by Rob Buono and Gavin Speight. Maison L’Envoye produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Gamay Noir from properties in Burgundy, Oregon and Tasmania. The wines have earned scores in the low 90s from reviewers.

Moulin-à-Vent is a Beaujolais Cru appellation that takes its charming name from the only windmill, or moulin-à-vent, still in existence in Beaujolais. The picturesque windmill is several hundred years old and features prominently on the labels of some producers in the appellation. Moulin-à-Vent is located in the north central region of Beaujolais, and it includes 1,605 acres of vineyards. Many Beaujolais admirers consider it the “King” of the Beaujolais Crus, and Moulin-à-Vent wines are known for their richness, fullness and their ability to age. Like nearly all of Beaujolais, the grape grown here is Gamay. About 400,000 cases are produced annually.

The Gamay grape produces a light, versatile and food-friendly wine. It is best known for making Beaujolais Nouveau, but it is also grown in Loire and Tours. Thankfully the 14th C. Duke of Burgundy’s degree to ban the grape did not spread through all of France.