Thibault Liger-Belair : La Roche 2020

Tasting characteristics and advice for La Roche 2020 from Thibault Liger-Belair

Tasting

Appearance

The color displays a deep ruby hue with garnet highlights.

Nose

The nose opens with intense aromas of black fruit, notably blackcurrant and blackberry, complemented by sweet spice notes. A pronounced minerality adds complexity to the whole.

Palate

On the palate, this wine reveals a powerful structure and fine concentration. The tannins are present yet refined, supporting a dense core with flavors of black fruit and spice. The minerality characteristic of the granite terroir carries through the tasting to a lingering, fresh finish.

Food and wine pairings

This Moulin-à-Vent is a perfect match for grilled red meats, cream-and-mushroom roasted poultry, as well as eggplant-based dishes. It also pairs beautifully with aged cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

Moulin-à-Vent La Roche 2020 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 15 and 17°C. Thanks to its structure and aging potential, this wine can be cellared for several years.

A characterful Moulin-à-Vent from an exceptional granite terroir

The estate

Founded in 2001, Domaine Thibault Liger-Belair is based in Nuits-Saint-Georges in Burgundy. Thibault Liger-Belair, at the helm of the estate, has developed his vineyard in line with organic and biodynamic farming principles. In 2009, he expanded his domaine to Beaujolais by acquiring parcels in the Moulin-à-Vent appellation. The domaine stands out for its respectful approach to terroirs and a minimalist winemaking style aimed at revealing the authentic expression of each parcel.

The vineyard

This Moulin-à-Vent La Roche comes from a parcel located at the top of the Moulin-à-Vent hill, in the lieu-dit “La Roche”. The vines, planted between 1920 and 1945, are rooted in a soil made up of pink granite and quartz veins. The south/southeast exposure promotes optimal ripening of Gamay noir à jus blanc. This granite terroir gives the wine its hallmark minerality and remarkable aging potential.

The vintage

The 2020 vintage was marked by a sunny year that produced rich, concentrated wines. Despite the heat, the grapes retained lovely freshness, making it possible to craft balanced wines combining power and vibrancy.

Winemaking and aging

For Moulin-à-Vent La Roche 2020, Thibault Liger-Belair applies a Burgundian approach. The harvest is carried out by hand. Depending on the vintage, vinification includes around 40% whole clusters, allowing for gentle extraction of aromas and tannins. Aging takes place in oak barrels for 12 to 18 months, with a small proportion of new oak in order to preserve the expression of the terroir.

Grape variety

Gamay (100%).