The Beaujolais vineyard is a small jewel, which is too often overshadowed by its neighbor Burgundy or by the sole fame of Beaujolais Nouveau. Yet the region is rich in an incredible variety of terroirs that allow the elaboration of multifaceted wines. Beaujolais has a lot to offer to lovers of good wines and moments of sharing!
The Beaujolais terroir
The Beaujolais region extends over nearly 14,500 hectares, north of Lyon. On this vast hilly hilly territory, 12 appellations rub shoulders: in the south, the Beaujolais appellations, in the the Beaujolais Villages (regional appellations) and to the north the communal appellations, known as the crus.
Gamay is the king of the region. This black grape variety with white juice allows the elaboration of wines with sometimes obvious, sometimes complex, but always delicious. It offers wines with a bright red color and aromas of cherry, strawberry or raspberry incomparable. Throughout the vineyard, Gamay takes on different expressions. It It transmits particular nuances linked to the various soils that shape the Beaujolais region. Beaujolais region.
An infinite playground
Located on the edge of the Massif Central, northwest of Lyon, and immediately facing the Alps, the Beaujolais region has inherited a complex and exceptional geology, consisting of more than 300 different soil types. In 2018, Beaujolais is the first vineyard in the world to be recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
"Heroic" is how the Beaujolais vineyards are described, but it is especially how the winegrowers who work there should be described! The slopes and hillsides offer breathtaking landscapes but do not make it easy for for the men and women who cultivate the vines!
The 10 crus of Beaujolais
The Beaujolais region is rich in talent and quality wines. Among the 12 appellations of the vineyard, there are 10 communal appellations, also called "crus" of Beaujolais, which benefit from soils and subsoils of great quality.
They are: Juliénas, Saint-Amour, Chénas, Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie, Chiroubles, Morgon, Régnié, Brouilly and Côtes-de-Brouilly. Each cru has its own characteristics, linked to its terroir and to the know-how of the winemaker who works it.
Some winemakers go even further! They work on their cuvée at the plot to give them an to give them an even more marked identity. This work in parcels is often expressed on the label with the mention of a "lieu-dit".
Discover the white wines of Beaujolais !
Beaujolais is not only about red wines. It has another little-known treasure: the white wine, made from the Chardonnay grape. The latter reveals the perfect expression of the terroir of the Beaujolais and Beaujolais Villages appellations, with fruity and light wines, also capable of a beautiful complexity.
Will you be surprised by a Beaujolais rosé?
Like the white wines, the rosé wines of Beaujolais are produced under the appellations Beaujolais and Beaujolais Villages. With a beautiful aromatic intensity, the freshness of these wines never ceases to seduce connoisseurs. How not to choose a Beaujolais rosé for a future aperitif with friends?
Red wines with multiple facets
What characterizes Beaujolais is the diversity of its terroirs and the range of its wines. The quality of its juices can be compared to its Burgundian neighbors. The crus Chiroubles, Fleurie and Saint-Amour reveal a greedy and fruity structure. Chénas, Morgon, Moulin-à-Vent, are, as for them, marked by aromas of very ripe fruits in their youth. After a few years of ageing, they develop more spicy and woody notes. The crus Brouilly, Côte de Brouilly, Juliénas and Régnié are characterized by a beautiful structure and a nice harmony.
More than 60 Beaujolais winemakers are on Les Grappes, discover them!
Enhance your dishes with Beaujolais wines!
It would be almost indecent not to consider the great wines of Beaujolais during a meal with family or friends. Their strong profiles are an infinite source for creating quality food and wine pairings.
Made from the Gamay grape, like all the wines of the region, Beaujolais wines are soft and not very tannic. From aperitif to dessert, they will accompany you throughout your meal.
And if Beaujolais wines are generally drunk when they are still in their youth, it is also possible to age them. After a few years of ageing, they reveal more woody and spicy aromas.
A word of advice: reds are sometimes neglected in fine weather. Not very tannic and fruity, Beaujolais reds are perfect to be served slightly chilled in summer! And if friends are joining you, think of the Magnum, the conviviality par excellence!
