Like Beaujolais, the Côte Roannaise reds (and rosés) are made from Gamay, but it is a local variety called Gamay St. Romain which is late ripening, with harvests occurring typically well into October. The Côte Roannaise vineyards are at a little higher altitude than Beaujolais, so this late-ripening tendency is pushed further, with a lot of freshness and natural low alcohol coming naturally. These are aromatic, very juicy and quintessential bistro and food wines.