The exceptional diversity of the Beaujolais terroirs

Many people know the Beaujolais region thanks to the Beaujolais Nouveau. Every year, on the third Thursday of November, we celebrate this wine that exudes conviviality. But Beaujolais is not just about Beaujolais Nouveau, far from it.

Rich in an incredible variety of terroirs that allow the elaboration of multifaceted wines, Beaujolais has a lot to offer to those who are interested. Some of the wines are very competitive with their Burgundian neighbors... You have been warned!

Discover the Beaujolais

The Beaujolais appellations

The Beaujolais region covers nearly 14,500 hectares, north of Lyon. On this vast hilly territory, 12 appellations are found side by side. To the south, the Beaujolais and Beaujolais Villages appellations (regional appellations) and to the north, the communal appellations.

What characterizes the Beaujolais is the diversity of its terroirs. In the south, on rounded hills, we find mainly clay soils and sometimes limestone. In the north, most of the soils are sandy and of granitic origin.

The notoriety, the uses, the quality of the wines, the sensory aspect, what distinguishes one place-dit from another, are all elements that show the richness of the Beaujolais terroirs.

The grape varieties of Beaujolais

In the Beaujolais, one grape variety reigns: the black Gamay with white juice. It allows the elaboration of wines with a multifaceted fruitiness, sometimes joyful, sometimes complex, and sometimes even racy. Gamay offers wines with a bright red color and incomparable aromas of cherry, strawberry or raspberry.

Throughout the vineyard, Gamay expresses itself in many ways. It transmits the different nuances due to the various terroirs that are found together.

But Beaujolais is not only about its red (or rosé) wines. It has another little-known treasure: the white wine, made from the Chardonnay grape. The latter reveals beautiful expressions on the territory and allows the elaboration of balanced white Beaujolais and white Beaujolais Villages with a beautiful aromatic intensity.

The 10 crus of Beaujolais

Among the 12 appellations present in the Beaujolais vineyard, 10 communal AOCs, also called "crus" of Beaujolais, are located in the north of the region on a patchwork of soils and subsoils of great quality.

Each cru has its own characteristics linked to its terroir and to the know-how of the winemaker who works it.

Juliénas

THE AOC Juliénas is the most northern of the Beaujolais crus. It is probably the appellation that benefits from one of the most diverse soils in the region. Indeed, we find granitic soils, but also sedimentary soils, clay or sandstone.

It is this richness of soils which undoubtedly allows to obtain these wines of character which express themselves well after a few years of guard. Juliénas wines are discreetly spicy, fruity and rather nervous.

Saint-Amour

With its name evocative of tenderness and sweetness, theAOC Saint-Amour is a little nugget in the heart of the vineyard. Small in size (one of the smallest crus), but big in its wines.

The heterogeneous soils of the appellation, divided between granite, schist and clay, give birth to two types of wines. The first ones are light, greedy, elegant, the second ones are more powerful, more complex.

Here, in addition to the soils on which the vines grow, it is the work of the winemaker that will greatly influence the final profile of the wine. His decisions, short or long maceration for example, will result in more or less robust wines, suitable or not for ageing.

Chénas

Chénas is the smallest appellation of the Beaujolais. Its surface area, as well as its direct proximity to the well-known Moulin-à-Vent, make it one of the most confidential crus of the region.

However, more than 120 wine growers cultivate Gamay grapes which express themselves here with notes of small black fruits, peony and spices on melted tannins. The wines of Chénas are rare and sometimes remind, by their density and their elegance, the great Burgundian wines.

Moulin-à-Vent

Probably the most famous cru, "the Lord of the Beaujolais" offers robust wines worthy of the greatest. The wines of Moulin-à-Vent wines are among the most prestigious and well-known Beaujolais crus throughout France and the world. Moreover, they are regularly found on the great gastronomic tables.

From one winemaker to another, each wine is shaped according to a personal sensitivity and know-how. But they all have in common a structured and elegant profile, perfect for special occasions as well as simple moments.

Fleurie

THE AOC Fleurie enjoys an exceptional geographical location. The vines grow on sandy soil derived from the decomposition of pink granite, against a chain of ridges that protect them. This granite terroir generally produces powerful and colorful wines, whose nuances may be accentuated according to the depth of the soil and the disparate decomposition of the stone.

However, the wines of Fleurie possess a touch of finesse that sets them apart from other crus. Their floral aromas, of iris or violet, make them delicately gourmet wines, which we like to associate with aperitifs or fish dishes such as salmon.

Chiroubles, the Gamay sublimated

The Chiroubles is a typical Beaujolais wine. It is fresh, fine and fruity. It is here that the Gamay reveals all its potential. The vines, ideally located on the heights, benefit from an optimal sunshine which ensures an incomparable maturity of the grapes.

Chiroubles is the perfect wine for convivial moments with friends. It is appreciated by all, from the most novice to the most experienced wine lover.

Morgon, the sure value

À Morgonit is the expression of the terroir in all its intensity! Coming from a very large vineyard where many different vineyards are located together, the wine of Morgon can be adorned with multiple expressions, whether it comes from the Côte du Py or from Les Charmes.

Made to express itself after a few years of aging, Morgon is rich and improves with time. It has aromas of ripe stone fruits, violets and kirsch.

Régnié

Régnié is located between Brouilly and Morgon. Having received its appellation only in 1988, it is the youngest of the family. But the youth of its AOC does not call into question the quality of its wines, on the contrary. With a unique fruitiness and a beautiful greediness, Régnié wines seduce easily.

Brouilly

The most southern and the most extensive, but also one of the best known of the Beaujolais crus, alongside Morgon and Moulin-à-Vent: Brouilly is a convivial wine, which is easily shared.

Very fruity, with floral and sometimes mineral notes, Brouilly perfectly expresses the bouquet of Gamay. This expression comes from the combination of 4 distinct terroirs, and a particularly rich soil, composed of pink granite, marl and blue limestone.

Côte de Brouilly

Nestled in the heart of the Brouilly cru, the Côte de Brouilly extends over a singular terroir, composed of volcanic rocks and "blue stones". The latter offer bluish reflections caused by the alteration of their material.

From these soils come out full-bodied wines, sometimes very mineral, with peppery notes. They are lively and full-bodied, with a powerful character.

Discover the selection of Beaujolais wines Les Grappes !