Sato Alyssum Gamay 2023

Sato La Ferme de Sato “Alyssum” Gamay 2023 is a small-parcel Central Otago Gamay that feels unmistakably Sato: transparent, finely structured and quietly wild, with perfume up front and a stony, savoury spine underneath. Made in a minimal-intervention style, it’s less about simple “chillable red” charm and more about purity, detail and site expression from the schist-rich Pisa area.

Appearance:
Bright ruby to cherry-red, translucent through the core with a clean crimson rim.

Aroma:
Crushed raspberry, red cherry and wild strawberry, layered with violets, orange peel and sweet spice. Subtle savoury notes—dried herbs, white pepper, and a faint earth-and-stone character—add complexity.

Taste:
Dry and medium-bodied, with crunchy red berries and pomegranate brightness set against a mineral, lightly savoury mid-palate. The texture is finely grained rather than plush; tannins are present but delicate, and the acidity keeps everything taut, energetic and very food-friendly.

Finish:
Long, lifted and peppery, tapering into a chalky, lightly pithy grip with lingering florals and red fruit.

Food Pairing:
Duck rillettes or charcuterie, roast chicken, grilled salmon, pork with fennel, mushroom dishes, lentil ragù, or semi-firm alpine cheeses.