Discover the 10 Crus of Beaujolais!
In the 15,000-hectare Beaujolais region, there are no fewer than 12 different appellations: two regional AOPs - Beaujolais and Beaujolais Villages, which can exist in both white and red - and ten communal appellations, all grouped together in the north of the wine-growing region, forming a vertical band 20 km long by 5 km wide.
From north to south, Juliénas and Saint-Amour, then Chénas, Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie, Chiroubles, Morgon, Régnié, Côte-de-Brouilly and Brouilly.
Even if they are very close to one another, each cru has its own specific terroir - altitude, soil, exposure - which enables the Gamay grape to express itself differently.
The origin and importance of the Beaujolais Crus?
What is a Cru?
In the world of wine, the term "cru" is widely used to designate a specific area (such as a parcel of land), the name of an estate or an appellation. Its precise meaning refers to a territory recognized for its distinctive and superior qualities. In Beaujolais, Crus are not vineyards but villages.
Distinction between Crus and AOCs?
The difference between a Cru and an appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) is that the term Cru indicates that the wine has been produced in an even more specific area. The combination of soil type, climate, altitude and grape variety is generally at the root of the Cru's superior quality and taste identity.
Exploring the 10 Crus of Beaujolais?
The 10 Beaujolais Crus, produced exclusively from the Gamay grape variety, are distinguished by their diversity of soils, altitudes and exposures, giving each Cru a unique expression of the grape variety. Although varied, these crus can be divided into two main categories: fresh, fruity wines, ideal for drinking young, and more complex, structured wines, which often benefit from superior ageing potential.
Fresh, fruity wines
Chiroubles
This is the highest vineyard in Beaujolais, with altitudes ranging from 270 to 600 meters. The granite slopes are often steep. The westerly exposure and wide temperature range between day and night help to preserve freshness in both grapes and wines, with beautiful floral notes (violet, peony). While textures are often silky, some wines can have more structure in the form of a canaille chewiness with fresh, greedy fruit that makes them quite irresistible.
Fleurie
No, the Fleurie appellation doesn't come from the floral notes of the wines of the cru, but from a Roman legionary called Fleurus who settled in the region a long time ago. Like Chiroubles, Fleurie has slopes of pink granite - one of which is dominated by a statue of the Madonna - but the soils are more decomposed and sandy, lending finesse and elegance to the wines of this cru.
Saint-Amour
Saint-Amour is more Janus than Cupid. With its mosaic of soils - granite, schist, bluestone and clay-limestone - this cru can produce both light, easy-drinking wines and more structured cuvées, ranging from raspberry and violet notes to candied, spicy aromas.
Brouilly
The most southerly appellation - but also the most extensive - of the ten crus surrounds Mont-Brouilly, to which we'll return later. To the west, the soils are granitic, while to the east, they are clay or marl-limestone. The result is wines with a different character, lighter and fruitier on one side, deeper and more structured on the other, more suited to ageing.
Régnié
While the majority of crus were recognized in the early 1930s, it wasn't until 1988 that the Régnié appellation became official. Its vineyards are confined to a single commune, Régnié-Durette, located between Morgon and Brouilly. Its pink granite hilltops at an altitude of 350 m make it a precocious terroir, producing fine wines with expressive fruit, accessible from their youth. But experience shows that they become more complex after 4-5 years in the cellar.
Juliénas
Straddling the Saône-et-Loire and Rhône departments, Juliénas lies just west of Saint-Amour, on the south/southwest slope of Mont de Bessay. This complex geological mosaic of bluestone, granite and schist produces wines of character, concentration and spiciness, which benefit from a few years' ageing. They would have pleased Julius Caesar, the appellation's posthumous honorary president.
Complex, structured wines
Côte-de-Brouilly
All the vines of this cru are planted on the slopes of Mont-Brouilly (484 m altitude), where the Notre-Dame des Raisins chapel and a lookout point offer visitors a panoramic view of the entire region. Of volcanic origin, its blue rocks give a unique style to the wines of this appellation: smoky and spicy notes can be added to the classic aromatic palette; on the palate, there's extra tension, even liveliness, while retaining very fine but concentrated tannins, allowing for good ageing potential.
Chénas
The smallest communal appellation in Beaujolais, Chénas lies between Juliénas (to the north) and Moulin-à-Vent (to the south). It owes its name to the oak trees that once grew here, successively uprooted by Gallo-Romans and medieval monks.The western part of the area is dominated by granite slopes, while the eastern part is dominated by alluvial soils deposited by the (aptly named) Rivière Mauvaise. Vines are much sparser here than in the other crus, as the rugged terrain makes them difficult to plant. Chénas is therefore a confidential wine, juicy and racy, not lacking in concentration, with a nose dominated by flowers - rose, violet, peony - when young. With age, it gains even more complexity, taking on bewitching notes.
Morgon
It's tempting to confine Morgon to the Côte du Py, its most famous terroir. Like Mont-Brouilly, it's a long-eroded volcanic peak. The bluestones are found here in more or less degraded form. Like Côte de Brouilly wines, it produces wines of finesse, tension and concentration, marked by minerality.
But most of the appellation is on granite, with renowned sectors such as Les Charmes, Bellevue and Château-Gaillard. It's hard to say whether this is due to the microclimate, but the wines produced here have a charm and/or breed that ranks them among the finest Beaujolais wines.
Morgon wines are renowned for their ability to age. Enthusiasts have even coined the verb morgonner to describe wines whose aromatics have been ennobled and complexified by time.
Moulin-à-Vent
If Morgon were the Margaux of Beaujolais, Moulin-à-Vent would certainly be the Pauillac, for its wines combine breed, power and longevity. In the past, they were known as Vins de Thorins, but the windmill - built in the 15th century and still standing today - has rightly become the symbol of the appellation.Geologists have attempted to discover the secret of this cru: they have found 71 different terroirs and a wealth of trace elements, including manganese.
When young, Moulins-à-vent wines evoke ripe red and black fruit, enhanced by floral notes. As they age, they are complemented by truffles and undergrowth.
Tasting guide: 18 Beaujolais Crus to discover!
Here's a selection of the top 18 Beaujolais Crus, although we recognize that preferences are subjective. That's why we've taken care to choose two wines for each cru: one that faithfully represents the identity of the cru, and one that aims to surprise you. This approach celebrates the diversity of terroirs and winemaking styles present in the region, offering a complete exploration of Beaujolais wines.
Selection of light, fresh wines
Domaine Les Bertrand
Cuvée du Chaos 2021 - Red
Fleurie
11.5% Alc.Vol.
26,90€
This light, fresh wine offers an intense nose of red summer fruits and fresh spices. On the palate, it is suave and greedy, with delicate tannins and a persistent, spicy finish.
https://www.petitescaves.com/products/cuvee-du-chaos-2021-les-bertrand
Château de Lavernette
Le Châtelet 2021 - Red
Saint-Amour
14% Alc.Vol.
25,10€
Le Châtelet, first vintage in 2015, is a great Saint-Amour vin d'élevage. Fine, complex and powerful, it rivals the best Beaujolais crus. Pair it with modern or traditional cuisine to appreciate its full richness. A must-try!
https://www.lesgrappes.com/vin/chateau-de-lavernette-saint-amour-le-chatelet-rouge-2021-16664
Domaine Aublanc
Les Hauts de Huire 2022 - White
Brouilly
17,90€
Frédéric Aublanc, artisan winemaker, cultivates 2 hectares of vines in Quincié, facing Mont Brouilly, without any synthetic inputs. In the cellar, he uses few inputs, just enough to stabilize the wine. After enjoying his 2006, we're curious to discover his latest vintage.
https://vins-etonnants.com/products/brouilly-les-hauts-de-huire-2020
Domaine Chamonard
La Madone 2021 - White
Fleurie
12.5% Alc.Vol.
25,90€
La Madone! A statue of the Virgin Mary perched atop Fleurie's most beautiful hill: it gives its name to the area, considered the best in the appellation thanks to its pink granite soil and south-facing slope.
A wine with a dark ruby color, a fine nose of red fruits and spices, and an elegant finish of violet and pepper. Deliciously classy!
https://vins-etonnants.com/products/fleurie-la-madone-2021
Domaine Les Capréoles
Sous la croix 2022 - Red
Régnié
13.5% Alc.Vol.
27,70€
This cuvée comes from a single parcel just below the Croix Penet, on a granite outcrop, expressing its full potential thanks to ageing in the finest barrels. This red wine exudes remarkable noble power. A must for lovers of great wines.
Château d'Emeringes
Vielles Vignes 2022 - Red
Juliénas
13.5% Alc.Vol.
12,10€
Fruity and well-structured, this wine has a dark ruby color and an elegant nose with aromas of flowers and red berries. Smooth, elegant tannins are evident from the outset. The finish reveals a round, fleshy wine.
Domaine Thulon
Chiroubles 2021 - Red
13% Alc.Vol.
12,50€
This wine is made from Gobelet vines over 50 years old, giving it a unique depth and complexity that must be tasted to be understood!
https://vins-etonnants.com/products/chiroubles-thulon-2021
Domaine du Penlois
Juliénas 2019 - Red
13.5% Alc.Vol.
18,35€
A real nugget! Its deep red color is a real eye-catcher. Its persistent aromas of very ripe fruit blend harmoniously with hints of spice. On the palate, its character gradually reveals itself. The attack is frank and the finish supple and fine. This cuvée is a true source of emotion!
https://www.lesgrappes.com/vin/domaine-du-penlois-julienas-rouge-2019-8377
Domaine La Bonne Tonne
Agath the Blues 2022 - Red
Régnié
13% Alc.Vol.
18,90€
Régnié Agath the Blues 2022 comes from vines in conversion to organic farming, with an average age of 60 to 65 years. Its vinification did not involve the addition of sulfur or other inputs.
https://vins-etonnants.com/products/regnie-agath-the-blues-2022
Domaine des Fournelles
Brouilly 2022 - Red
13% Alc.Vol.
13,00€
Brouilly, the most southerly of the Beaujolais crus, is distinguished by its deep, bright purple-red color. Its fruity nose reveals aromas of redcurrants and raspberries. A convivial, harmonious wine to enjoy, nicknamed "the wine of friends".
Selection of richer, deeper wines
Domaine Thillardon
Sous la Roche 2022 - Red
Moulin-à-Vent
31,20€
Moulin-à-Vent, nicknamed the "Seigneur des Beaujolais", is the region's most robust crus. Sous la Roche 2022 will seduce you with its aromas of wild berries and peppery notes, its velvety texture and its pleasant mouthfeel, supported by smooth tannins.
https://www.petitescaves.com/products/sous-la-roche-2022-domaine-thillardon
Clos des Vignes du Maynes
Les Charmes 2020 - Red
Morgon
29,90€
Always a pleasure and a gourmet pleasure. This Morgon Gamay enchants us with its freshness and fullness. A bottle to savor without hesitation, a true success!
https://www.petitescaves.com/products/morgon-les-charmes-2020-l-clos-des-vignes-du-maynes
Domaine Lapalu
Côte de Brouilly 2022 - Red
25,90€
A sensational natural Gamay! A fresh, explosive nose of crisp red fruits, followed by a palette of spices and persistent floral notes. Well-balanced tannins delicately structure the palate, offering remarkable fluidity.
https://www.petitescaves.com/products/cote-de-brouilly-2022-lapalu
Domaine La Bonne Tonne
Grand Cras 2021 - Red
Morgon
13% Alc.Vol.
19,50€
Morgon's "Grands-Cras" cuvée, grown on granite soils, offers a mineral, spicy wine that's both fine and fruity. Naturally vinified without additives, it is aged in barrel after 18 days of maceration. A touch of SO2 at bottling ensures stability. Enjoy now or cellar for up to 10 years.
https://vins-etonnants.com/products/morgon-grand-cras-2018
Domaine du Penlois
Chénas 2020 - Red
13.5% Alc.Vol.
18,35€
The rarity of this cru lends it a mysterious, unique quality that the others don't have. With its crimson-red color, it reveals an expressive nose combining black fruit aromas with hints of peony. On the palate, it's a full-bodied, round wine that will seduce discerning palates.
https://www.lesgrappes.com/vin/domaine-du-penlois-chenas-rouge-2020-12715
Domaine Thillardon
Les Carrières 2022 - Red
Chénas
25,50€
Both elegant and full-bodied, this wine is a superb example of the Domaine's savoir-faire. With notes of red fruit (strawberry, raspberry) and floral rose nuances, this wine offers a remarkable balance between its fruity juice and delicate tannins.
https://www.petitescaves.com/products/les-carrieres-2022-domaine-thillardon
Domaine des Fournelles
Elixir des Fournelles 2019 - Red
Côte de Brouilly
13% Alc.Vol.
17,20€
A special cuvée in very small quantities! This wine has been meticulously crafted from grapes from an old vineyard with very low yields. These precious juices have been pampered and tasted with great care: a truly exceptional bottle! Full-bodied and powerful, it reveals black fruit aromas with elegant tannins.
https://www.lesgrappes.com/vin/domaine-des-fournelles-elixir-des-fournelles-rouge-2019-1647
Maison Piron
Moulin-à-Vent 2021 - Red
13.5% Alc.Vol.
20,40€
This 100% Gamay wine comes from vines over 75 years old with south-southeast exposure, giving it structure and character. Part of it is aged in oak barrels for greater roundness. Its amethyst color with violet highlights precedes a floral, fruity nose, while the palate reveals red and black fruits, enhanced by spices and peppery notes.
https://www.lesgrappes.com/vin/maison-piron-moulin-a-vent-rouge-2021-14336
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