Beaujolais is often overlooked as a poor relation of Burgundy or slightly out of fashion, However, the quality for price it unbelievable and as producers embrace traditional vinification rather than carbonic maceration (used in Beaujolais nouveau, which is declining), the wines continue to improve and show what Gamay and the Beaujolais region are capable of. Follow our essential guide to Beaujolais and seek out those hidden gems.
Region
The Beaujolais region is situated south of Burgundy, and to the North of Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France and enjoys a warm, continental climate. It is 34 miles long and 8 miles wide. The best vineyards sites are planted on the undulating hills in the north of the region, on a wide range of volcanic granite soils, where the 10 Cru villages are situated, producing high quality wines from the Gamay grape. The wine increases in quality from south to north, with the ten most prized vineyards given the right to label themselves Beaujolais Cru, while others can label their wines Beaujolais-Villages, or Beaujolais.
The Grape
The principal grape of the Beaujolais region is Gamay and accounts for 98% of production. Gamay is a red grape variety with a thin skin which produces pale-red wines with vibrant flavours of strawberries, sour cherries and black pepper with lifted by floral notes of lilac and violets. Gamay`s naturally high acidity is often softened through the use of carbonic maceration: a process which sees the grape juice fermenting inside the berry before being crushed, reducing the tannin and increasing fruitiness. However, more quality focused producers are using traditional wine making methods and oak aging to unlock the quality potential of this grape. Gamay is really versatile when it comes to food pairing and the lighter styles can be served chilled.
Appellations
The wines of Beaujolais are divided into three in three Classifications: Beaujolais, Beaujolais Villages, and Beaujolais Crus. Here, we explore the differences that make these wines as lovely as they are diverse.
Beaujolais AC – The appellation covers the whole area but the production is concentrated to the south of the region on flatter vineyards. The wines are simple and fruity, often with some floral, banana or pear drop notes, low in tannin and can be served lightly chilled. There is also a very small amount of white and rose wine made under this appellation. The white wine is produced with Chardonnay and makes up only 2% of the vineyard area in the region.
Beaujolais Nouveau is also produced here, which became highly successful in the 1960s where the latest harvest was rushed through the winery using carbonic maceration in order to reach the market on the third Thursday in November. The wine was thin and raw and often tasted of banana and bubble-gum. This style has been in rapid decline since the 1990s but it has tainted the reputation of Beaujolais wines.
Beaujolais Villages AC – These vineyards are planted on the slopes, slightly above the plateau. 38 villages can add their wines to Beaujolais Villages. These are higher quality and have more structure and concentration than basic Beaujolais AC.
Beaujolais Cru – There are 10 Cru villages which are all within a zone of steep hills in the north of the region and each cru has its own unique terroir and distinctive style. The wines have more concentration, structure, power and aging potential. These wines will change your perception of Beaujolais forever. The 10 Crus, from north to south are; St-Amour, Juliénas, Chénas, Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie, Chiroubles, Morgon, Régnié, Brouilly, and Côte de Brouilly.
Our top Beaujolais Picks (From North to South)
J. Charlet Juliénas Clos des Poulettes 2017
Produced from one of the rare 'clos' in the Beaujolais region. Impressive, forward, concentrated nose. Multi-layered on the palate with luscious black fruit, under currents of pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon with a velvety texture that is well knitted together. Superb wine and a steal at this price.
LIMITED TIME OFFER: was £16.04 now £11.95
Stephane Aviron Chénas Vieilles Vignes 2020
This is a great example of one of the Beaujolais region`s lesser-known crus, Chénas. Soils here are mainly granite, with some areas of schist and fertile alluvial clay. Produced from old vines ('Vielles Vignes'), some of which are 100 years old. The wine has a vibrant, ripe red berry nose. Wonderful energy with loads of vibrant fruit dancing across the palate. Pleasantly cleansing tannins and an uplifting, crisp finish.
LIMITED TIME OFFER: was £14.44 now £11.95
Domaine Anne-Francoise Gros Moulin-à-Vent 'En Mortperay' 2020
Domaine Anne-Francoise Gros is the coming together of two famous and ancient Burgundian winemaking families. Anne-Francoise is married to Francois Parent of Pommard. Together, along with their children Caroline and Mathieu they make excellent Burgundy at their beautiful estate. This is a unique wine, and not a typical Beaujolais. The Gamay is treated in much the same way as a Burgundian Pinot Noir. With zero carbonic maceration and French oak treatment.
Unique in that it's made like traditional red Burgundy and aged in large oak founders for one year. It drinks like a top Beaujolais with aromas of red cherry, cranberry, blackberry, earth and mineral with a touch of baking spice. The palate is medium bodied and generous, with soft red fruit character, plum and liquorice notes. The tannins are supple and the oak well integrated, lovely long finish.
LIMITED TIME OFFER: was £28.34 now £23.95
Domaine Jean Loron Fleurie 'Les Devots' 2019
Now in the 8th generation hands of the Loron family based in the village of La Chapelle-de-Guinchay, where the quality of wine speak for themselves. Bright, perfumed nose with fused red and black fruit. Generous, soft yet ripe black cherry and bramble on a rich, well knitted palate fused with a touch of violet. A real charmer.
LIMITED TIME OFFER: was £15.01 now £11.95
Stephane Avrion Morgon Cote du Py, Vieilles Vignes 2019
Produced from old vines in the Côte du Py on the slopes of an extinct volcano, this cru wine is structured with generous black fruits and a series of ripe tannins and balanced acidity. It has the structure and density to age while also having a light touch of black cherry fruit.
LIMITED TIME OFFER: was £17.14 now £12.95
J. Charlet Beaujolais L'or de Pierres 2020
Produced by the well-known Charlet family based in Saint-Amour, this is a beautiful Beaujolais with classic aromas of cherry and blackcurrant fruit with hints of violet and rose. More floral on the palate with violet, ripe raspberry, plum and blackcurrant. Lovely texture and a charming summer wine.
LIMITED TIME OFFER: was £11.54 now £9.50
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