Beaujolais Wines
In the country of the "Beaujolais Nouveau".
Geography and terroir
The "Beaujolais Nouveau" is the most famous of the Beaujolais country, but one should not forget the other wines produced in the area: Beaujolais wine, Beaujolais wine Villages and 10 vintages of Beaujolais wine
Beaujolais wine is produced on the slopes extending on the Saone's Right Bank, between Macon and Lyon.
The grounds are rather poor but the hills, exposed to south-east, protect the vines from the west winds (cold and wet).
Grape Varieties
Beaujolais wines result primarily from a single type of vine: Gamay Noir, particularly adapted on the acid ground of the High Beaujolais wine.
The white and Rosé wines, a minority, come from the Chardonnay and Aligote vines.
Appellations
Appellations of Beaujolais wine are divided into 3 AOC:
- the AOC Beaujolais wine: regional name
- the AOC Beaujolais Villages wine: used by the wine growers of 39 district
- 10 vintages of Beaujolais wine (AOC communales): Brouilly, Chenas, Chiroubles, Cotes de Brouilly, Fleurie, Julienas, Morgon, Moulin a Vent, Regnie and Saint Amour
Red wines
Beaujolais Nouveau: this famous wine is enjoyed on the 3rd Thursday of November. It is characterized by its supported bouquet with a fruity tendency and its brilliant and clear dress. It will ideally accompany a board by pork-butchery. Beaujolais Nouveau does not improve with time, thus, it is useless to preserve it.
Morgon: a wine with the crimson dress offering a delicious fruity perfume. Morgon is better fresh (13°) with sauce meats or a cheese plate.
Saint Amour: Saint Amour is produced in Saone-et-Loire. It is a wine with a delicately spiced and timbered bouquet. To be served fresh, preferably with a marinade of poultry or a sautéed ox.
French version