Uva Non Grata is part of a deliberately rebellious range from Boutinot France, designed to showcase the potential of Gamay outside its usual confines. The wine honours the history of the grape, once banned by Philip the Bold in 1395 and hidden amongst Pinot Noir vines by defiant vignerons. Today, Boutinot champions Gamay in its purest, most expressive form, made without appellation restrictions and with a touch of irreverence. The Boutinot France team, led by Samantha Bailey, works closely with local growers across France, combining deep regional knowledge with expert blending to produce characterful wines like this one.

Though not certified, Uva Non Grata reflects a hands-on, site-specific approach to sustainability, with grapes grown on granite and siliceous soils in the hills northwest of Lyon. These soils help produce wines with freshness and vibrancy. The fruit is harvested early by hand to retain natural acidity, and traditional carbonic maceration techniques are used to bring out the juicy, aromatic qualities of Gamay. This natural style of winemaking highlights a respect for terroir and a minimal-intervention mindset.

The winemaking process relies on traditional carbonic maceration, where the weight of the berries starts fermentation within whole clusters. This is followed by a short cuvaison to preserve the fresh, upfront fruit character of the wine. The aim is to craft a Gamay that is both playful and pure, with a focus on immediacy and drinkability.

Bright and aromatic, the wine bursts with red berry fruit, offering flavours of fresh cherries and raspberries. It’s soft and juicy on the palate with a crunchy acidity and light tannins, capturing Gamay at its most charming and expressive. A chilled glass brings out even more of its fruity vibrance.

This is a perfect match for charcuterie, grilled herby chicken, or sausages on the barbeque. It’s also a great choice with picnic fare, lightly spiced dishes, or even a mushroom-based tart.