About the Beaujolais wine region
Beaujolais covers about 22,000 hectares in the south of Burgundy and produces some of the best red wines in France. It is a unique wine region that has a special role due to its geographical location and climate. The vineyards are located on the hills on the west bank of the Saône and benefit from favorable sunshine and a mild climate. The soil is mainly composed of granite and slate, which gives the wines a special minerality and elegance.
The wines of Beaujolais are made from the Gamay grape variety, which is grown almost exclusively in this region. In contrast to the wines of Burgundy, which are made from Pinot Noir, the wines of Beaujolais are lighter and fruitier and can be drunk young. They often have aromas of cherries, red berries and spices and are characterized by lively acidity and fine tannins .
The Crus des Beaujolais, ten specific vineyards, are considered to be of particularly high quality and have a special status in France. In this article, we will take a closer look at the special features and the different Crus des Beaujolais and find out what makes them so unique.
Special features of Beaujolais wine
Although Beaujolais wines are often considered light and uncomplicated, there are still some characteristics that set them apart from other French red wines. Here are some of the most important features:
1. Beaujolais wines are produced using the so-called "Maceration Carbonique" method. The grapes are harvested whole and fermented in special tanks without being pressed beforehand. This results in a particularly intense fruit aroma in the wine.
2.The wines of Beaujolais are often referred to as "vin de soif", which means "thirst wine". This is because they are light and fresh and are a good accompaniment to simple meals.
3.A special feature of Beaujolais wine is its classification according to the degree of quality. There are ten appellations in total, ranging from simple wines without any special distinction to Grand Crus.
4.The most famous wine style of Beaujolais is undoubtedly "Beaujolais Nouveau". This young wine is released every year on the third Thursday of November and is known for its fruity and lively character. Beaujolais Nouveau is an important part of French wine culture and is celebrated worldwide.
5.Another special feature of Beaujolais wine is the fact that it is often drunk chilled. Due to its light structure and freshness, it is well suited as a summer wine or as an accompaniment to light dishes such as salads, fish or poultry.
6.Finally, Beaujolais wine is also a great introduction to the world of Burgundy. Although often expensive and difficult to find, Beaujolais wines are relatively inexpensive and easily accessible. They can serve as an introduction to the world of Burgundy and encourage the wine lover to explore the region's wines further.
The ten Crus of the Beaujolais wine region
There are 10 different Crus (i.e. defined and known growing areas) in Beaujolais, which are distinguished by different soil types and cultivation techniques. In this chapter we will take a look at these Crus and highlight their differences. Here is a summary in the table:
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Saint-Amour
The Saint-Amour is the northernmost cru of Beaujolais. The wine is known for its fruity aromas of cherries, raspberries and blackberries. It also has a light spiciness and a delicate acidity. The Saint-Amour is an elegant and refined wine. Discover, for example, our wine from Saint-Amour Le Carjot .
Juliénas
The Juliénas has a fruity aroma of cherries, red currants and spices. The wine is full-bodied and has a light tannin structure. The Juliénas is a wine that goes well with food.
Chénas
The Chénas has a fruity aroma of red berries and cherries. The wine has a light acidity and a soft tannin structure. The Chénas is a fresh and accessible wine.
Moulin-à-Vent
The Moulin-à-Vent is one of the most famous crus of Beaujolais. It has a strong aroma of red berries and cherries. The wine has a strong tannin structure and is very long-lasting. The Moulin-à-Vent is a wine that goes well with food. Try our Moulin-à-Vent now.
Fleurie
The Fleurie is a soft and fruity wine. It has an aroma of red berries, violets and spices. The wine has a light acidity and a soft tannin structure. The Fleurie is a very accessible wine.
Chiroubles
The Chiroubles is a light and fruity wine. It has an aroma of red berries, cherries and spices. The wine has a light acidity and a soft tannin structure. The Chiroubles is a fresh and lively wine.
Morgon
The Morgon is a powerful wine. It has an aroma of red berries, cherries and spices. The wine has a strong tannin structure and is very long-lasting. The Morgon is a wine that goes well with food.
Régnié
The Régnié is a fruity wine. It has an aroma of red berries, cherries and spices. The wine has a light acidity and a soft tannin structure. The Régnié is an accessible wine that goes well with light dishes. This Beaujolais Villages is grown in Régnié.
Brouilly
The Brouilly is a fruity wine. It has an aroma of red berries, cherries and spices. The wine has a light acidity and a soft tannin structure. The Brouilly is a wine that goes well with starters and light main courses. Try our wine from Brouilly here .
Côte de Brouilly
The Côte de Brouilly is a powerful wine. It has an aroma of red berries, cherries and spices. The wine has a strong tannin structure and is very long-lasting. The Côte de Brouilly is a wine that goes well with strong main courses.
As you can see, the different Crus of Beaujolais each have their own distinctive characteristics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Beaujolais wine is an interesting and unique alternative to the more popular Burgundy wines. With its different crus, Beaujolais offers a variety of aromas and flavors that can vary depending on the cru and the vintage. Its fresh and fruity notes, the carbonic maceration method and the possibility of drinking it chilled make it a very special experience for wine lovers, especially in the warmer months. Discover the Beaujolais wineries: the Domaine de la Pirolette and Château de la Terrière wineries.
