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Beaujolais is a wine region located in the south of Burgundy and benefits from a unique geographical position that gives it a distinct wine identity, while sharing a common history and tradition with its neighbor.
Beaujolais is a vineyard comprising iconic appellations such as Saint-Amour, Morgon, or Brouilly and offers wines that fully reflect their origin and terroir. Here, the vines are mostly owned by small estates and are often cultivated on plots around a historic château or a family estate, allowing for the production of delicious wines for tasting, all with a human approach. The winemakers here pamper the vines and their grapes, from pruning to vinification.
Moreover, while Beaujolais stands out for its fruity and approachable style, its proximity to Burgundy is a reminder of the richness and diversity of a winemaking expertise that has spanned centuries, offering wine lovers (red, white, or rosé) superb discoveries.
The Beaujolais appellation is the largest AOC in the region, encompassing 72 communes and nearly 4,100 hectares of vineyards. The wine produced under this appellation reflects the diversity of soils and microclimates of the region.
The majority of the wine produced is red, made from the Gamay grape variety, which imparts suppleness, fruitiness, and freshness. Classic Beaujolais wines are characterized by light tannins, a clear ruby color, and vibrant aromas of red fruits such as cherry, raspberry, or redcurrant. They are generally intended to be consumed young, offering immediate and accessible enjoyment.
The style of Beaujolais nevertheless varies according to the terroir: wine from the granite hillsides in the north is often finer and lighter, while that from the more clay-limestone soils in the south is often rounder, warmer, and more concentrated in fruit. There are also a few rosé and white cuvées (Chardonnay), which are in the minority but worth discovering for their freshness, indulgent ease and lightness.
The “pierres dorées” terroir is also often mentioned in the region and refers to an area mainly located in southern Beaujolais, around Mâcon and Villefranche-sur-Saône. These are limestone and marl soils, often rich in iron oxide, giving a slightly golden hue to the stones of the walls and buildings (hence the name).
The wines of the Beaujolais-Villages appellation come from 38 designated villages, located mainly in the north and center of the region. These northern communes mostly benefit from granitic soils and specific exposures that promote the concentration of aromas and a more refined structure.Some villages, on the other hand, have clay-limestone or more silty soils, producing a rounder and warmer wine.
Overall, these wines combine indulgentease, freshness, and elegance, offering a great alternative to classic Beaujolais for those seeking more structured and expressive reds, while retaining the fruitiness and accessibility of Gamay.
Classic Beaujolais and Beaujolais-Villages are mainly distinguished by their aromatic expression and mouthfeel structure.
Indeed, the red wine produced under the Beaujolais appellation is often light, fresh, and fruity, with dominant aromas of cherry, raspberry, and sometimes more subtle red fruits.
Its supple texture and light tannins, as well as its liveliness, make it an accessible wine, perfect for young consumption, where immediate pleasure is paramount.
Beaujolais-Villages, on the other hand, usually offer a more complex and concentrated red wine. The aromas are then more intense, blending red and black fruits, floral notes, and a spicy touch. These wines also reveal a more pronounced structure on the palate, with present but silky tannins, giving them greater length and depth.Gamay wines with the Beaujolais-Villages appellation are capable of accompanying more substantial dishes while maintaining their elegance.
As seen, Gamay, the emblematic variety of Beaujolais, stands out for its lightness, vibrant fruitiness, and supple tannins, characteristics that make it an ideal companion for many dishes. Its freshness and indulgentise indeed allow for simple yet very successful pairings, where the wine enhances the dish without overpowering it.
Wines from the AOC Beaujolais, often young and fruity, pair particularly well with light and convivial dishes. They can be paired with:
These wines highlight fruit and liveliness, creating a subtle harmony that delights the palate.
Beaujolais-Villages and the 10 Crus of Beaujolais offer greater concentration and complexity.Their slightly more pronounced structure allows them to pair with richer and spicier dishes:
Some, such as Morgon, Moulin-à-Vent, Chénas, Saint-Amour or Côte-de-Brouilly, even offer the possibility of being served with richer dishes, thanks to their aromatic depth and tannins.
The key to pairings with Gamay is to focus on the lightness and freshness of the wine: dishes that are too heavy or very spicy can overpower young wines, while more structured crus can handle more intense dishes. Beaujolais wines, thanks to their fruitiness and suppleness, are also perfect for an aperitif or for a friendly meal where several dishes are served, as they easily adapt to a variety of flavors.
We recommend serving Gamay-based wines between 14-16°C to achieve this balance of freshness and aromatic depth.
We offer a complete selection of wines from the magnificent Beaujolais region. While the AOC Beaujolais and Beaujolais-Villages are represented, we also offer exceptional bottles from the AOC Morgon, Brouilly, Fleurie, Juliénas and also Moulin-à-Vent, all directly available in stock on our online wine cellar.
On our website, you will find fruity red wines, deep and balanced, representative of the unique character of each appellation.Some reds are light and accessible, typical of classic Beaujolais, while others, more structured, reflect the richness of Beaujolais-Villages and the Crus of the region.
Our range also includes white wines, offering elegant alternatives for enthusiasts of different expressions from the vineyard. Each bottle comes from an estate, winemaker, or château carefully selected, ensuring quality production that respects the origin and authenticity of Beaujolais wines.
Whether you are a knowledgeable enthusiast or simply curious to enrich your cellar, our selection also gives you access to prestigious appellations from Burgundy, Rhône, Loire, and many other regions of France. All the wines offered are guaranteed in stock!
To properly preserve and enhance your Beaujolais wines in the cellar, several factors must be taken into account.
The size of the bottles plays, for example, a key role in the preservation and evolution of wines: standard 75 cl formats are ideal for quick consumption, while larger bottles (magnum, jeroboam) allow both red and white wine to age more slowly and thus fully develop their aromas.
The storage conditions are also essential if you want your bottles to evolve positively.It is therefore recommended to store the bottles horizontally in a cool place (constant temperature), away from light and with stable humidity around 70-80% minimum. These conditions allow red, rosé, and white wines from Beaujolais and elsewhere to preserve their freshness, fruitiness, and structure, ensuring optimal tasting over the years.
Finally, the selection of appellations contributes to the diversity and balance of your cellar. As you will have understood, classic Beaujolais wines offer light and accessible wines, perfect for daily consumption or friendly aperitifs. The more structured and aromatic Beaujolais-Villages bring depth and character to your collection.Associating these two types of wine with other more renowned appellations will allow you to build a complete range, reflecting the richness of the terroirs and the typical character of Gamay.
By following these recommendations, your cellar will become a true reflection of the diversity and quality of Beaujolais wine, while showcasing the expertise of the producers and the uniqueness of each appellation.
The Beaujolais is often reduced to a production of simple, fruity, and light wines made from the Gamay grape variety. Moreover, Beaujolais Nouveau is often mentioned in discussions and, for...
The Beaujolais is often reduced to a production of simple, fruity, and light wines made from the Gamay grape variety. Moreover, Beaujolais Nouveau is often mentioned in discussions and, for...
Among the most iconic grape varieties of France, Gamay certainly stands out thanks to its centuries-old history as well as its delicious taste qualities. Sometimes criticized (very often due to lack of knowledge...
Among the most iconic grape varieties of France, Gamay certainly stands out thanks to its centuries-old history as well as its delicious taste qualities. Sometimes criticized (very often due to lack of knowledge...
Whether you are a wine enthusiast or not, you have most likely already heard of Chardonnay. And for good reason, it is the second most widely planted white grape variety...
Whether you are a wine enthusiast or not, you have most likely already heard of Chardonnay. And for good reason, it is the second most widely planted white grape variety...
Are you a fan of full-bodied red wine? Then Brouilly may well become your new favorite! With its fruity freshness and legendary finesse, this iconic Beaujolais cru invites you to...
Are you a fan of full-bodied red wine? Then Brouilly may well become your new favorite! With its fruity freshness and legendary finesse, this iconic Beaujolais cru invites you to...
