{"title":"Georges Descombes","description":"\u003cp\u003eGeorges Descombes is one of the most revered names in natural Beaujolais, widely regarded as the unofficial fifth member of the legendary Gang of Four alongside Marcel Lapierre, Jean Foillard, Jean-Paul Thévenet and Guy Breton. Based in the village of Saint-Lager, Descombes has spent decades quietly producing some of the region's most compelling and age-worthy wines from old vines across multiple Beaujolais crus.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHis approach is rooted in respect for the land and the grape. Farming organically, harvesting late for full phenolic ripeness and selecting fruit with meticulous care, Descombes brings the same patience to the cellar. Extended cold carbonic maceration, native yeast fermentation, long élevage in barrel and bottling with little or no sulphur and no filtration are the hallmarks of his method. The result is wines of extraordinary purity, transparency and terroir expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Descombes range at Appellance spans several crus, each a distinct portrait of Beaujolais at its finest — from the silky, perfumed Chiroubles to the structured, mineral-driven Brouilly Vieilles Vignes. These are wines that reward patience and repay cellaring, yet are equally captivating in their youth.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"georges-descombes-brouilly-vieilles-vignes-2021","title":"Georges Descombes Brouilly Vieilles Vignes 2021 Beaujolais","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"440\"\u003eGeorges Descombes Brouilly Vieilles Vignes 2021 is sourced from very old vines and stands among the finest and most age-worthy wines of Beaujolais. The 2021 vintage is particularly compelling, offering a combination of freshness, purity and structure that many growers consider among the region’s best releases in recent years. While more understated than the celebrated 2019s, the wines possess remarkable finesse, energy and transparency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"442\" data-end=\"863\"\u003eDescombes is often referred to as the unofficial fifth member of Beaujolais’ legendary “Gang of Four” alongside Marcel Lapierre, Jean Foillard, Jean-Paul Thévenet and Guy Breton. These pioneering producers transformed the region by returning to traditional viticulture and low-intervention winemaking, focusing on old vines, organic farming principles, late harvesting, meticulous fruit selection and minimal sulphur use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"865\" data-end=\"1313\"\u003eIn the cellar, Descombes follows a distinctly patient approach. The fruit undergoes an extended cold carbonic maceration lasting around 30 days, significantly longer than many of his contemporaries. The wine is then matured for approximately one year in barrel before bottling, with little or no sulphur added and no filtration. Extended bottle ageing further refines the wine, allowing it to gain complexity while retaining freshness and vitality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1315\" data-end=\"1881\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eThe 2021 Vieilles Vignes is wonderfully expressive, opening with crystalline aromas of red and black cherry, wild berries and hints of sweet kirsch. The palate is vibrant and focused, combining juicy fruit, bright acidity and a firm mineral backbone. There is an effortless sense of balance and tension throughout, with impressive depth and length that belie the appellation. Equally captivating in its youth and capable of rewarding long-term cellaring, this is a benchmark example of traditional Cru Beaujolais and one of the standout wines in the Descombes range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1014\" data-start=\"722\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"appellance","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50281202319553,"sku":null,"price":96.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0843\/3428\/0897\/files\/Georges_Descombes_Brouilly_Vieilles_Vignes_2021_Beaujolais.jpg?v=1783850722"},{"product_id":"georges-descombes-saint-amour-vieilles-vignes-2021","title":"Georges Descombes Saint Amour Vieilles Vignes 2021 Beaujolais","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"56\" data-end=\"589\"\u003eSaint-Amour is one of Beaujolais’ most captivating crus, celebrated for wines that combine fragrant aromatics, silky texture and remarkable finesse. Georges Descombes, widely regarded as the unofficial fifth member of Beaujolais’ legendary Gang of Four, has long been one of the region’s leading traditionalists, farming organically and crafting wines with minimal intervention to express the purity of each site. His Vieilles Vignes bottling comes from old-vine Gamay and is a superb reflection of both the appellation and producer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"591\" data-end=\"1085\"\u003eThe 2021 vintage is beautifully poised and energetic, offering vibrant aromas of wild strawberry, red cherry and raspberry layered with delicate floral notes, subtle spice and a touch of mineral freshness. The palate is refined and elegant, balancing bright red fruits with lively acidity and fine tannins that carry the wine effortlessly across the finish. There is an appealing lightness and drinkability here, yet enough depth and structure to reward careful cellaring over the coming years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1087\" data-end=\"1585\"\u003eDescombes’ reputation rests on his ability to produce wines of exceptional purity and authenticity, and this Saint-Amour is no exception. As France’s \u003cem data-start=\"1237\" data-end=\"1276\"\u003eLe Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France\u003c\/em\u003e notes, “the wines have evolved towards greater purity and precision. Each cuvée expresses the dimension of its cru and terroir.” That philosophy is evident in every glass, making this a benchmark example of traditional Cru Beaujolais and one of the most compelling expressions of Saint-Amour available today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1600\" data-end=\"1658\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"1600\" data-end=\"1658\"\u003e\"The unofficial fifth member of the famed Gang of Four.\" \u003cstrong\u003eImporter's notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1660\" data-end=\"1825\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"1660\" data-end=\"1783\"\u003e\"The wines have evolved towards greater purity and precision. Each cuvée expresses the dimension of its cru and terroir.\"\u003c\/em\u003e — \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"1786\" data-end=\"1825\"\u003eLe Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1014\" data-start=\"722\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"appellance","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50294496952513,"sku":null,"price":102.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0843\/3428\/0897\/files\/Georges_Descombes_Saint_Amour_Vieilles_Vignes_2021_Beaujolais..jpg?v=1783553483"},{"product_id":"georges-descombes-chiroubles-2021","title":"Georges Descombes Chiroubles 2021 Beaujolais","description":"\u003cp\u003eGeorges Descombes is one of the defining names of traditional Beaujolais, carrying forward the philosophy of Jules Chauvet alongside fellow legends Marcel Lapierre, Jean Foillard and Guy Breton. Working organically in the vineyard and with minimal intervention in the cellar, Descombes crafts wines that are pure, vibrant and unmistakably expressive of their origin.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHis old-vine Chiroubles comes from steep, granite-rich slopes in the highest cru of Beaujolais, where the cool elevation naturally produces wines of finesse and perfume. The cooler 2021 vintage has delivered a wonderfully classic expression, favouring freshness, precision and elegance over power. Whole-bunch fermentation with native yeasts and careful élevage preserves the wine's vivid character, resulting in a Gamay of remarkable purity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe nose is intensely aromatic, offering wild raspberry, red cherry, cranberry and crushed strawberry layered with violet, rose petal, white pepper and subtle earthy notes. On the palate it is bright, silky and beautifully balanced, with crunchy red fruits framed by lively acidity, delicate tannins and the distinctive mineral tension of Chiroubles' granite soils. Light on its feet yet impressively persistent, this is Beaujolais at its most refined — equally rewarding enjoyed young or after several years in the cellar.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"appellance","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50405517689025,"sku":null,"price":96.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0843\/3428\/0897\/files\/Georges_Descombes_Chiroubles_2021_Beaujolais.heic?v=1784019662"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0843\/3428\/0897\/collections\/Georges_Descombes.jpg?v=1784020058","url":"https:\/\/appellance.com\/collections\/georges-descombes.oembed","provider":"Appellance","version":"1.0","type":"link"}