Peillot Bugey Mondeuse

Wild-edged and mountain-born in spirit, this opens with tart black cherry, blackthorn, and crushed blueberry skin, layered with cracked pepper, violets, and a ferrous, upland-earth note that feels unmistakably Savoyard. The palate is brisk and nervy, driven by high acidity and firm, angular tannins that give the wine its sinewy shape. Savory herbal tones and a faint smoky bitterness run through the mid-palate, finishing dry, spicy, and mouthwatering with a cool, stony snap. A characterful Mondeuse that leans into tension, pepper, and place rather than polish. And frankly, was my introduction to mondeuse so I have always found it a benchmark.