Le P'tit Canon Jacques Maillet 2015, biodynamic, Savoie. A beautiful natural wine made from a blend of Altesse (Rousette) and Jacquere by 'Il Maestro' Jacques Maillet. This is an amazing wine because it onlys has 11% abv yet has the depth and complexity of a very concentrated wine. There are savoury notes, quince, bruised apples, citurs, mountain herbs and all sorts on nose and palate. It sings purity and can be drunk whilst making the Tartiflette and also whilst eating it! Biodynamic production, natural wine flavour, delicious.
Jacques Maillet is nearing retirement and with no immediate successor, it looks possible that the wines may be lost and this would be a tragedy. The vineyards of Domaine Jacques Maillet are planted on the hillsides of two lieu-dits overhanging the Rhône river: Les Vignes du Seigneur and Le Cellier des Pauvres. The soil is composed of molasse (marine sediments) and limestone screes which produces great acidity in the wines. The vines are South West facing exposed to the sun and planted at an altitude between 250 and 380 metres above sea level. The vines are very old with an average of 47 years and some vines of Mondeuse streching back over 100 years. This is a mythical winery, totally biodynamic in approach and headlong in the pursuit of quality. The wines above all are electifying in their precision and intensity. They age beautifully as our few bottles of 2011 Gamay are showing well. In youth, they bring zip and ife to the mouth and make you want to drink, drink and drink some more!
