Beaujolais, Gamay at its Finest

At that stroke of midnight on November 21, 2024, oenophiles all over France will begin their jubilant celebration in honor of the end of the harvest and the uncorking of the Beaujolais Nouveau. Hundreds of events throughout France will be held with fireworks, music, and, of course, tastings, as “tout le monde” vie to sample the current batch of Beaujolais Nouveau - light, fruit-driven wines made with barely fermented Gamay grapes that are best consumed as soon as possible - literally. But, never fear, there are 3 different quality levels of Beaujolais above Nouveau and these are the ones we get excited about!

The entry-level wines that are simply labeled Beaujolais, are made from grapes grown throughout the Beaujolais region, especially in the south. These also tend to be on the fruit-forward side and are meant to be enjoyed in the first year or two after the vintage. Beaujolais-Villages wines are based on Gamay grapes that were grown in the central part of the Beaujolais region, specifically 38 permitted villages. And Cru Beaujolais are grown in any of ten specific northern locales whose typically granitic soils (though they are far from uniform in composition and character) can produce the most age-worthy and complex of all red wines from Beaujolais. So, needless to say, the least expensive wines generally come from the south, and the more expensive and age-worthy wines come from the north. And if this was all you learned about Beaujolais, you’d know enough to dive in and start learning by tasting but as always with wine, a lot of the fun is in the details!

Here’s a cheat sheet of Cru Beaujolais styles and terroir - take some time to think about what sounds appealing to you and bring your list to swirl, we are happy to help with your selections. Oh and a little holiday hint, Beaujolais is the perfect pairing wine for your turkey and fixings!

10 Crus from South to North

1. Brouilly
Soil: Varied soils including pink granite, diorite, schist, and clay-limestone.
Terroir: The largest and most southern cru, with vineyards spread over diverse terrains. The diversity translates to lighter, fruit-forward wines.
Wine Profile: Juicy red fruits, floral notes, and a softer structure.

2. Côte de Brouilly
Soil: Blue volcanic stone (diorite) mixed with granite.
Terroir: Located on the slopes of Mont Brouilly, the vineyards benefit from steep gradients and good drainage.
Wine Profile: Elegant and structured, with notes of red fruits, violets, and mineral undertones.

3. Régnié
Soil: Pink granite with sandy and stony textures.
Terroir: The youngest cru, producing approachable and vibrant wines.
Wine Profile: Fruity and fresh, with red currant, raspberry, and spice notes.

4. Morgon
Soil: Decomposed schist and manganese-rich granite known as "roches pourries" (rotten rocks).
Terroir: The second largest cru, known for producing structured, age-worthy wines.
Wine Profile: Full-bodied, with flavors of cherries, plums, and earthy minerality.

5. Chiroubles
Soil: Sandy and granitic, with shallow topsoil.
Terroir: Vineyards at the highest altitudes among the crus, producing wines with freshness and finesse.
Wine Profile: Light, aromatic, with bright red fruits and floral elements.

6. Fleurie
Soil: Pink granite, light and sandy, with good drainage.
Terroir: One of the most famous crus, known for its delicate and aromatic wines.
Wine Profile: Elegant, with floral notes like violets and roses, combined with red berry flavors.

7. Moulin-à-Vent
Soil: Granite with manganese deposits.
Terroir: Named after the local windmill, this cru produces some of the most structured and tannic wines in Beaujolais.
Wine Profile: Concentrated, with dark fruits, floral notes, and potential for long aging.

8. Chénas
Soil: Granite and quartz with some clay.
Terroir: Smallest of the crus, known for its floral and age-worthy wines.
Wine Profile: Aromatic, with rose and peony scents, plus red fruits and a firm structure.

9. Juliénas
Soil: Granite, schist, and clay-limestone.
Terroir: A mix of slopes and valleys creates varied expressions. The cru is named after Julius Caesar, reflecting its long history.
Wine Profile: Robust and spicy, with black fruits and floral hints.

10. Saint-Amour
Soil: Clay-limestone in the north and granite in the south.
Terroir: Located in the northernmost part of Beaujolais, near the Mâconnais.
Wine Profile: Diverse styles—light and fruity to fuller and spicier.