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Beaujolais Wines : Key Points

The reputation of Beaujolais wines has beamed beyond borders and travelled through time because they have always radiated the pure and intense beauty of their two grape varieties, Gamay and Chardonnay, which cover 12 appellations.

Bordered to the west by the foothills of the Massif Central and to the east by the plain of the Saône, the Beaujolais vineyards proudly sit at the entrance to Lyon and unfold the full potential of their land across a multitude of hills. Indeed, over 55 kilometres, the 12 appellations of the region cultivate the unique features that constitute the unity of the Beaujolais vineyard.

From Fleuries to Moulin-à-vent, passing through Saint-Amour or Côte de Brouilly, the region's emblematic names portray the poetic expression of these terroirs. With Millésima, embark on a Beaujolais wine tour and uncover the secret crus that are widely acclaimed throughout the world.

The Beaujolais appellation has existed since 1937 and is the largest of them all. With 72 communes in the south of the appellation dedicated to the production of delicious and full wines and 300 hectares entirely destined for the production of white wine, this AOC boasts an array of features that elevate these wines to the very pinnacle of the wine world.

Although the Beaujolais Village appellation covers half as many communes, it is rooted in the region's best hillsides. On the northern half of the vineyard, the vines flourish at an altitude varying between 200 and 500 metres, with a sun exposure ranging between east and south-east. These varied terroirs allow the teams to work all the nuances of the land and to offer wines that are both very fruity and intense, and which reflect the passion of over 1000 experienced winemakers.

The Brouilly appellation expresses all the beauty of the French way of life. An emblematic wine from Lyon, this cru comprises the largest surface area. A sublime marriage between aromas of plum, small red fruits and subtle mineral hints, these wines, which typically reflect the terroirs that cradle them, exude a fine and delicate expression in their youth.

The smallest AOC in the Beaujolais wine region, the Chénas appellation exclusively cultivates the Gamay grape variety. Its name stems from the ancient oak trees that were planted there before being replaced by vines. Today, the soil is ideal for the production of a wine that boasts an aromatic expression of black fruits and spices, highlighted by soft tannins.

The vines from the Chiroubles appellation are bathed in sunshine thanks to their high altitude. Situated between 250 and 450 metres above sea level, these vineyards are the highest in the Beaujolais region. The wines offer a distinctively delicate bouquet and aromatic expression.

The Côte de Brouilly appellation almost needs no introduction. This AOC is nicknamed ''corne verte" meaning "green horn", referring to the sublime landscapes of Mont Brouilly as well as an unforgettable gourmet journey. The awakening of the senses provided by these Beaujolais wines with their unique essence plunges you into the heart of a delicate, fine and generous expression shaped by fruity and mineral notes.

The Fleurie appellation stands out from the rest of the vineyards due to its history and its terroir. It bears the name of a Roman legionary and thus testifies to the ancestral character of these lands bordered by a chain of mountains. A great terroir delicately ripens fine, deep and gracious wines.

The Juliénas appellation takes its name from an emperor and honours this noble character through its high-quality wines. Located in the Rhône and Saône-et-Loire regions, the vineyard benefits from optimal sunshine and a geological tapestry composed of granite, rock and sedimentary soil.

The Morgon appellation is known for its large surface area and its proximity to Mont du Py. Indeed, these geographical qualities combined with the know-how of nearly 250 winegrowers offer wines with fine and delicate tannins that reveal their full potential over time.

Overlooked by a historic windmill, the Moulin-à-vent appellation lives up to its name. Its nickname, "Lord of the Beaujolais", testifies to the particularly elegant style of its wines as well as the ancestral character of its land. Despite its small size, this vineyard draws the best from Burgundy and the Rhone regions, offering structure and complexity to its wines, which promise to evolve beautifully over time.

Perfectly situated between Brouilly and Morgon, the Régnié appellation is the 10th AOC to enter the refined circle of Beaujolais wines. Poised on hillsides at an altitude of 350 metres with a south-east exposure, the grapes lead to a mineral, light and delicious aromatic profile.

Lastly, the Saint-Amour appellation bears witness to a deep passion for complex and unique wines. The variety of its soils gives rise to two great styles of wine that oppose and complement each other to offer all the beauty and allure of the Beaujolais appellation. Some are light and delicious with a fruity expression and a fine vivacity and others celebrate the power and complexity of an intense character that will sublimate with time.