The Beaujolais vineyards are located south of Burgundy and north of Lyon, and covers areas of the French department of Rhone and parts of the department of Saone-et-Loire (Burgundy). The region is internationally known for its long wine-producing tradition.
The development and oenological prestige of this area grew to the point that in the 15th century, Beaujolais wines were required on the tables of various European monarchies. Beaujolais vineyards have ten common names or grand crus: Saint-Amour, Juliénas, Chénas, Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie, Chiroubles, Morgon, Régnier, Brouilly and Côtes de Brouilly.
These wines are made from the Gamay Noir grape variety. They are noted for an intense violet color, sturdy tannins, good acidity and refreshing fruitiness, and ideal to accompany creamy and ripe cheeses, as well as poultry and meat plates of all kinds.
These are some sublime creations from the leading Beaujolais regions, such as Domaine de Gry-Sablon, Domaine Chateau Des Deduits, and Domaine Jean Foillard.
Moulin À Vent Cuvée Vieilles Vignes 2010
The Domaine du Gry-Sablon comprises land in the major areas of Beaujolais. In Moulin a Vent, it has four small plots of old Gamay Noir vines, which are used to prepare this tasty wine with complex aromas of black fruits and spice blended with floral hints of roses. On the palate, we detected rich vanilla and spicy notes that, combined with spicy and silky tannins, make it an ideal wine to enjoy with game dishes and meats in general.
Chateau Des Deduits Fleurie 2011
At Fleurie, the Gamay Noir grape becomes classic Beaujolais because it grows in soil where the granite rocks are covered with sand, which gives the wine the characteristic mineral taste of the terroir. The Domaine Chateau Des Enduits produces this great wine of intense violet color with aromas of raspberry and ripe cherries flavored with cardamom and carob. In the mouth, it is floral and “fruity” with high intensity and timeless elegance.
Morgon Cote Du Py 2010
Domaine Jean Foillard has old Gamay Noir vineyards—over 60 years old— in one of the most popular areas of Morgon, ‘Côtes du Py‘, an extinct volcano with stone floors of slate and granite. The label’s creation, Morgon Cote du Py 2010, is a superior Beaujolais with deep garnet color and fragrant aromas of wild strawberries, candied cherries, and mineral nuances that unfold in the mouth with a unique and silky sumptuousness that brings back intense, earthy, spicy and tasty memories. It is a wine of impressive quality that will taste even better five years from now.
We should always keep in mind that as we enjoy a splendid wine from Beaujolais Grands Crus, we will be drinking one of the best wines in the world.
Photos: D. Gillet / Inter Beaujolais copyright. ■
