Domaine A.F. Gros, directed since 2011 by Mathias Parent and his sister Caroline, expanded into the Beaujolais appellation of Moulin-a-Vent in 2017 when Mathias acquired 3.6 hectares in this historic cru. The addition of a Moulin-a-Vent to the A.F. Gros range reflects Mathias Parent's intellectual curiosity about different terroir expressions and his willingness to apply the same careful, low-intervention philosophy outside the traditional Burgundy village of Vosne-Romanee. Moulin-a-Vent, the self-styled 'King of Beaujolais,' produces Gamay of unusual depth and age-worthiness.

Moulin-a-Vent sits at the northern tip of Beaujolais, where the appellation's pink granite-dominant soils produce wines of markedly different character from the other Beaujolais crus. The manganese-rich decomposed granite soils here impart a distinctly mineral, almost iron-like quality to Gamay, and the resulting wines can develop a Pinot Noir-like complexity after four to five years of bottle ageing, including notes of violets, truffles and dark spice. A.F. Gros applies the same destemming and Burgundian-style barrel ageing approach here that defines the domaine's red wine production across all appellations.

The presence of a renowned Burgundy producer's name on a Beaujolais label has historically attracted critical attention for the category: multiple prominent Beaujolais specialists and Burgundy critics have noted that Moulin-a-Vent's granite terroir produces wines that bridge the two appellations in character. For buyers who appreciate terroir-driven Gamay with genuine age-worthiness and the rigour of a committed Burgundy producer's approach, this release represents an interesting and potentially undervalued offering.

Drink from 2024 to 2030. Pair with charcuterie, pork, chicken with mushrooms or moderate cheese. Decant briefly and serve at 15 degrees Celsius in a broad glass to allow the Gamay's aromas to develop fully.

Deep ruby-violet with a Beaujolais freshness of colour. The nose shows dark cherry, Gamay-characteristic red fruit, granite mineral, violet and a light floral note. The palate is medium-bodied with good tannic structure for the variety, vibrant acidity and a persistent, mineral-edged finish. More structured and age-worthy than typical Beaujolais crus.