Brouilly

Covering more than 20% of the Beaujolais vineyard area, the Brouilly AOC appellation originates from Mont Brouilly, whose vineyards grow at the foot of a mountainous landscape that reaches an altitude of 484 meters. This red wine is primarily produced in the Beaujolais Crus wine region. Its cousin, the Côtes de Brouilly, grows on the slopes of the mountain. The small chapel at its summit is aptly named Notre-Dame aux Raisins (Our Lady of the Grapes). The grapes are mainly Gamay, but other varieties, such as Aligoté, Chardonnay, or Pinot Noir, can be added up to 15% per plot. Thus, its wine, with its ruby-red color, can take on violet hues in the more granitic soils. The first day of the harvest is determined by the ripeness of the grapes, which is itself dependent on the amount of sunshine. That's why it can be enjoyed within a year of the harvest! Harmonious, elegant, and robust, it releases a remarkable aroma of red fruits (strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, etc.) with a hint of peony. It's a medium-aged wine traditionally served as an aperitif with charcuterie and cheese, or with poultry or white meat. These wines, which can be kept for two to three years, are round, supple, and pleasant to drink. Brouilly AOC is a wine from the Beaujolais vineyards in the Rhône department. A decree dated October 19, 1938, officially recognized it as an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC). This decree was issued by the National Institute of Origin and Quality (INAO). Brouilly AOC, a wine produced exclusively from red grapes. Brouilly wine is produced in a vineyard located west of Belleville-sur-Saône. It is part of the Beaujolais wine region, where it is considered the largest of the region's crus. Covering the slopes of Mont Brouilly, the vineyard is known for producing only red wine. While the southernmost in the Beaujolais wine region, the Brouilly appellation represents nearly 20% of the total area of ​​this zone. Its soil varies depending on the location within the vineyard. On the western side, the terroir is granitic. Towards the center, the soil comprises hard, compact rocks. Finally, to the east of the mountain, the soil is covered with alluvial deposits. The climate of the production area is semi-continental with Mediterranean and oceanic influences. This climatic diversity allows for the creation of a wide range of wines. The Brouilly AOC, a surprising wine. Brouilly wine is made from a single grape variety: Gamay Noir, a black grape with white juice. However, it can be blended with other raw materials (Chardonnay B, Aligoté B, and Melon B) with a limit of 15% per plot. The choice of this grape variety is due to the nature of the region's soil. Indeed, Gamay only reveals its complexity on a granitic and acidic terroir. It is thanks to this grape that the vineyard produces only red wine. The wine displays a ruby ​​color that varies according to the terroir. Thus, those whose grapes have grown on granitic soil have a purplish hue. Those produced in the east have a darker shade. Brouilly AOC is elegant and fruity. Thanks to the granitic soil, it is very early-ripening and can be enjoyed the spring following the harvest. On the nose, dominant aromas of strawberry and raspberry are surprising on the palate. Generally, Brouilly AOC is best enjoyed after 2 to 5 years of aging. However, Brouilly wine can be aged for 10 years or more under good conditions. The Brouilly AOC: A Wine to Discover. To better understand the Brouilly AOC, you should visit the producers. For this, consider visiting Domaine Les Roches Bleues. This vineyard, focused on agroecology, offers both Brouilly and Côte-de-Brouilly appellations. During your visit, ask about this product. You can even purchase Brouilly wines on site. After this visit, head to Domaine des Fournelles to expand your knowledge of the region's wines. This estate, located in St. Lager, offers Brouilly and Côte-de-Brouilly wines. Once back home with your Brouilly wine purchases, you'll need to find the perfect dishes to accompany these reds with their surprising flavors. During major events, such as the holiday season, this type of wine pairs beautifully with Bresse poultry. As an aperitif, it pairs well with various types of charcuterie or specialties like sausage in brioche. Here are a few recipes that harmonize with Brouilly wines. For a starter, serve potato salad with Reblochon cheese. If you're in the mood for poultry, opt for cockerel with fresh figs. Pheasant in Chartreuse sauce reveals all its flavors when accompanied by a glass of Brouilly red wine. And in winter, nothing beats a lamb stew. You could also indulge in a pot-au-feu.