Dupeuble Pere & Fils Chateau des Pertonnieres Beaujolais '1512' 2015 750ml

Product Info

90pts Vinous Media
Vivid ruby-red. Powerful dark berry, cherry and violet scents are lifted by a smoky mineral nuance and a hint of cracked pepper. Concentrated and juicy on the palate, offering bitter cherry and cassis flavors and a touch of candied licorice. Much more serious and powerful than its appellation would suggest, delivering strong closing thrust and lingering dark berry and mineral notes. There’s no way I'd have guessed that this was a straight Beaujolais. Drinking Window 2018 – 2022 - By Josh Raynolds on October 2016

Terroir
The 2015 “1512” is sourced from the historic vineyards of Château des Pertonnières, situated in the northern Beaujolais hills near the commune of Saint-Amour. The site is characterized by well-draining granitic and schist soils, typical of the crus of northern Beaujolais, which force the Gamay vines to root deeply and concentrate both flavor and minerality. These soils, combined with the region’s rolling slopes, encourage slow ripening and preserve natural acidity—essential for producing wines of both vibrancy and structure.

The climate is tempered by altitude and exposure, where cool nights maintain freshness and warmth during the day allows for full phenolic maturity. The vines are mature and meticulously managed, with careful pruning and low yields, yielding fruit that is expressive, pure, and emblematic of its terroir. “1512” captures both the generosity of Gamay and the distinctive minerality that defines Château des Pertonnières’ historic vineyards.

Winemaking
Dupeuble Père & Fils employs a classic yet thoughtful approach to crafting “1512,” balancing tradition with precision. Grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness and carefully sorted to ensure quality. Fermentation is carried out in open-top stainless steel tanks, often using indigenous yeasts to enhance aromatic complexity and highlight the site’s character. Maceration is extended just enough to build structure and tannic framework, while maintaining the fresh, vibrant profile intrinsic to Gamay.

Aging takes place primarily in neutral or lightly toasted French oak barrels, chosen to add subtle depth without masking the bright fruit or delicate spice of the vintage. Minimal intervention in the cellar allows the wine’s purity, tension, and terroir-driven personality to shine through. The result is a Beaujolais that is both approachable and capable of rewarding careful aging.

Tasting Notes

In the glass, the 2015 “1512” shows a luminous ruby color with subtle garnet highlights, indicative of its early evolution and refined character. The nose is expressive, offering aromas of ripe red cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, layered with notes of violet, dried herbs, and a hint of earthy forest floor. With aeration, secondary aromas of light spice, leather, and a gentle mineral undertone emerge, adding depth and intrigue.

On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, displaying both freshness and textural richness. Juicy red berries dominate the entry, supported by finely grained tannins and balanced acidity that provide lift and structure. Subtle earthy notes and hints of spice complement the fruit, creating a harmonious interplay between vibrancy and depth. The finish is long and refined, with lingering red fruit, gentle minerality, and a touch of savory complexity.

Food Pairings
The “1512” is highly versatile at the table and pairs beautifully with both classic and rustic cuisine. It is an ideal companion for roast poultry, grilled pork, or lightly braised lamb, as well as rich mushroom-based dishes. Its lively acidity also complements charcuterie, pâtés, and soft cheeses such as Brie or Comté, highlighting both the wine’s fruitiness and its subtle earthy nuances.

Serve slightly below room temperature, around 58–62°F, to allow the aromas to fully open and the palate to appreciate its balance between freshness, structure, and depth.

Cellaring & Longevity
Although approachable upon release, the 2015 Dupeuble Père & Fils Château des Pertonnières Beaujolais “1512” has the structure to evolve gracefully with careful cellaring. Over the next 5–8 years, the wine will continue to develop secondary and tertiary notes, including dried cherry, forest floor, light spice, and subtle leather, while the fruit remains vibrant and integrated.

“1512” is a standout example of northern Beaujolais Gamay: expressive, terroir-driven, and capable of offering both immediate pleasure and a rewarding experience for those who allow it to age.