The mountains of the French Alpine district of Savoie each wear an apron of vineyards around their base, where the poor, generally granite soil and constant cool sunshine gives vines the ideal balance of elements to yield fresh flavored and vigorously textured wine. Domaine de l’Idylle has been in the Tiollier family since 1840, and for the entire life of the domaine, biodiversity has been a primary focus of this polycultural farm. It is also a wine frequently featured in this newsletter, because Philippe, Francois, and Sylvain Tollier are very good at their job. In this aromatic, crunchy Gamay, there are notes of red cherry, roses, and mountain sage on the nose strong enough we can almost see the snow capped mountains on the horizon. The palate offers hard cherry candy and blossoms riding waves of acidity. Floral scents linger delicately on the finish.