Brouilly Cuvée "L'enfer de Balloquets" by Robert Perroud

Description

Robert Perroud’s “L’Enfer des Balloquets”: a distinctive Brouilly

Robert Perroud’s “L’Enfer des Balloquets” is a red wine from the Brouilly appellation in Beaujolais, France. Its name comes from the demanding vineyard site where the grapes are grown. The slopes of Les Balloquets can reach gradients of 40%, making harvesting particularly difficult. The producer explains that the harvest workers gave the cuvée its memorable name because of the effort required to pick the grapes on these steep hillsides.

According to the estate, the vines are around 70 years old and are planted on south-facing slopes. These details provide a clear picture of the vineyard’s location and growing conditions. Rather than presenting the wine solely through broad regional characteristics, the producer emphasises the identity of this specific site and the work involved in harvesting it.

Robert Perroud describes the wine as “generous and refined”. The aromatic notes highlighted by the producer include mead, gingerbread and beeswax. This combination gives the cuvée a distinctive aromatic description and offers a different angle on the wines of Brouilly. The estate also expresses confidence in the potential of this site, suggesting that it could one day merit premier cru recognition.

Serving suggestions and food pairings

The recommended serving temperature is between 13°C and 15°C. At the table, this Brouilly can accompany red meat, white meat and grilled dishes. It is also suggested with exotic-style dishes and hard-pressed cheeses. For a less conventional pairing, the producer recommends chocolate desserts.

The stated ageing potential is three to five years, assuming suitable storage conditions. The wine is sold in a 75 cl bottle and may appeal to drinkers interested in discovering a Beaujolais cru through the story of its vineyard, its steep terrain and its producer’s specific tasting description.