Beaujolais

Beaujolais (Boh-zhuh-LAY) is bordered by Burgundy to the North, the Saône River to the East, Lyon to the South and the Monts de Beaujolais (the hills of the Massif Central) on the West. Beaujolais is just 34 miles long and seven to nine miles wide. Its wines are produced predominately from the Gamay grape.

The Beaujolais Villages is the appellation for red, white and rosé wines from 38 villages in northern Beaujolais. The hilly terrain and granite soil here is considered superior to that of the flatter lands in the south of Beaujolais and hence the wines are considered to be of higher quality. These wines are based on the Gamay grape while a small proportion of Chardonnay, Aligoté, Melon de Bourgogne, Pinot Gris or Pinot Noir is also permitted in the blend. These grape varieties, other than Gamay, must make up no more than 15 percent of the total vineyard area.

The 'Beaujolais Nouveau' wines are made with shorter fermentation periods and the wine is bottled within weeks of harvest.

The 10 Official Crus of Beaujolais include:

Brouilly - This is the southern-most Cru. As a result, it produces wines that are more Mediterranean-like. It is the largest Cru and also one of the original areas allowed to sell its wines to the Parisian market as far back as 1769, making Brouilly one of the most known areas in Beaujolais. These wines are meant to be enjoyed young.

Chénas - This is the smallest and rarest of the Beaujolais Crus. Chénas refers to the ancient oak forests that once covered the hillsides. Thus, the wines often have a ‘woodsy’ quality, but with floral notes of rose and iris, plus silky tannins.

Chiroubles - The vineyards of this Cru are at the highest altitudes of Beaujolais (820-1480 feet). As such, it is the coolest Cru and the typically the last to start harvest each year. But, the wines are classic Beaujolais.

Côte de Brouilly - This Crus vineyards are planted on the volcanic slopes of Mount Brouilly, giving the wines a unique flavor and minerality. These wines hava a silky mouthfeel bright and refreshing acidity.

Fleurie - Called “The Queen of Beaujolais” this Cru’s vineyards are planted at a higher altitudes on steep slopes at the foot of La Madone. The wines tend to be lighter in style and highly aromatic.

Juliénas - Named after Julius Caesar, these ancient Roman vineyard sites are planted on granite, volcanic and clay soils giving the wines power, structure and excellent aging ability. These wines are floral and fruity with aromas of strawberry, peach, violet and cinnamon.

Morgon - This is the second largest of the Beaujolais Crus. These are wines age well for 5–10 years. These wines develop into a more earthy wine more like the Pinot Noir of Burgundy.

Moulin-à-Vent - Sometimes called “The King of Beaujolais,” this region’s vineyards are grown on decomposed granite and soft quartz giving the wines a dark ruby/garnet color, good structure and complexity. These are the most tannic and full-bodied wines of all the Cru. When young you’ll these wines exhibit plum, cherry and violet notes. With age (up to 10 years) these wines develop into a more ‘Pinot’ style.

Régnié (rehn-yay) - This is the newest Cru of Beaujolais. Wines in this Cru exhibit peach, cherry, black currant, and raspberry flavors.

Saint-Amour - Two styles of wine are produced here: a light, fruity, floral wine with notes of violet and peach and a bigger, version that becomes more Pinot-like with age.