Wine of the Week: 2011 Château Thivin Côte de Brouilly

This is the latest from the oldest estate on Mont Brouilly in Beaujolais built in the 15th century. But that wouldn’t mean anything if the wine weren’t so well made and delicious. Château Thivin, still run by the Geoffray family, who purchased the estate at the end of the 19th century, has vineyards planted with mostly 50-year-old Gamay vines, one reason these wines have such character.

Pop the cork on the 2011 and it’s guaranteed the bottle will be finished in a flash. With its bright fruit, luscious texture and all-around geniality, Thivin’s Côte de Brouilly goes down very easy. And it’s such a versatile wine, ready to pair up with a simple roast chicken, braised lamb shanks or grilled sausages. Enjoy it with a pastrami sandwich or a hearty soup. Keep a few bottles on hand, ready for any occasion.

Region: Beaujolais

Price: About $23

Style: Rich, medium-bodied

What it goes with: Roast chicken, braised lamb shanks, grilled sausages, pastrami sandwich

Where to find it: The Wine Country in Signal Hill, (562) 597-8303, https://www.thewinecountry.com; and Wine Exchange in Orange, (714) 974-1454, (800) 76WINEX, https://www.winex.com.

irene.virbila@latimes.com