Hey, hey, Beaujolais! This beloved red wine hails from the Beaujolais region of France and holds a special place in the hearts of wine enthusiasts. Personally, this is my favorite. Known for its light, fruity flavors and lively character, Beaujolais has gained a reputation as a versatile wine that suits so many occasions. Whether you’re sipping it on a sunny patio or cozying up by the fire in winter, Beaujolais is always a good choice. Ok, so I’m a little partial. But let’s dive in and explore the details of this wine that will transport you to the picturesque vineyards of France. At least in our minds, anyway.
The Beaujolais Guide
Beaujolais Overview
Body- Light-Bodied Elegance: Beaujolais falls on the lighter side of the red wine spectrum, making it a refreshing and easy-drinking choice. With low tannins and moderate acidity, it showcases a delicate structure that allows the vibrant fruit flavors to shine. I find this makes Beaujolais an excellent choice for casual gatherings and relaxed social occasions.
Tasting Notes– Bursting with Fruit: Tasting notes of Beaujolais are a delightful medley of red berries, especially cherry, raspberry, and strawberry. Its fruit-forward profile and bright flavors are often accompanied by subtle earthy undertones, which adds a bit of complexity and depth to each sip.
On the Nose- Aromatic Delights: When it comes to the aroma, Beaujolais is a showstopper. As you raise your glass, you’ll be greeted with floral notes, such as violet, rose, and peony – which add an alluring touch to the wine, making the experience even more captivating.
What to Serve- Pairing Pleasures: Beaujolais is incredibly versatile when it comes to food pairing. Its bright acidity and fruit flavors make it a great companion for a wide range of dishes. Try it with grilled chicken, roast turkey, pork tenderloin, or lamb for a fabulous match. It also harmonizes well with mushroom-based dishes, charcuterie, and mild cheeses. For a truly sublime experience, pair Beaujolais with classic French cuisine like Coq au Vin or a traditional Beef Bourguignon.
When to Enjoy- A Wine for All Seasons: While Beaujolais is often associated with sunny summer days, it is absolutely a wine that can be enjoyed year-round. During the summer months, its refreshing nature makes it an ideal choice for picnics, barbecues, and outdoor gatherings. Its lightness and fruitiness are a perfect match for warm weather occasions. However, don’t shy away from enjoying Beaujolais in the winter. The wine’s delicate flavors and elegant structure still shine when sipped int he cooler months, making it a delightful companion on cozy winter nights.
Beaujolais light body, fruit-forward flavors, and enticing aromas make it a great choice for many occasions. From casual summer soirées to cozy winter evenings, Beaujolais adds the perfect touch to any setting. So, pour yourself a glass, take a sip, and let the magical flavors of Beaujolais transport you to the sun-kissed vineyards of France. Cheers!
1.
Thibault Liger-Belair Moulin-A-Vent Les Vieilles Vignes 2015
ALCOHOL %
13-13.5%
COUNTRY
France
REGION
Beaujolais- Villages
STYLE
Gamay
BODY
Medium
Overview
Thibault Liger-Belair Moulin-A-Vent Les Vieilles Vignes 2015 is a full-bodied and complex red wine. It boasts a deep ruby color that catches the eye. On the palate, this wine offers a rich and concentrated experience. The primary tasting notes reveal an array of dark fruits, such as black cherry and blackberry, which are accompanied by subtle hints of plum and blueberry. These flavors create a harmonious balance between fruitiness and depth. The wine’s velvety texture and well-integrated tannins contribute to a long and elegant finish, leaving a lasting impression.
On the nose, Thibault Liger-Belair Moulin-A-Vent Les Vieilles Vignes 2015 presents an enticing bouquet of ripe red fruits, including red cherries and raspberries. The aroma is further complemented by delicate floral notes, such as violet and rose petal, adding a touch of elegance to the experience. In addition to the fruit and floral components, you may also detect hints of spice and earthiness, which lend complexity and depth to the wine’s aromatic profile.
This one is typically not considered a very light wine. It falls on the fuller-bodied side of the spectrum. While it is not as light and delicate as some other Beaujolais wines, it still maintains the characteristic freshness and vibrancy that make wines from this region so enjoyable.
What Does It Taste Like?
ON THE NOSE
- Red fruits.
- Floral notes
- Hints of spice.
ON THE PALATE
- Medium to full body, velvety texture
- Strawberries, cranberries and plum
- Medium acidity, great finish
Pros & Cons
WHAT I LOVED:
- Bright acidity
- Fruit forward
- Well balanced
- Perfect for summer, especially if chilled
JUST A HEADS-UP
- This is not a light wine, making it a little less typical of what you expect or are maybe hoping for in a Beaujolais
2.
Jadot Beaujolais Villages
ALCOHOL %
13%
COUNTRY
France
REGION
Beaujolais-Villages
STYLE
Gamay
BODY
Light
Overview
Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages 2021 is a red wine hailing from the Beaujolais region in France. It’s a light to medium-bodied red wine that embodies the classic characteristics of Beaujolais. It offers a fresh and vibrant flavor profile, making it an approachable and easy-drinking wine. On the palate, you’ll encounter a burst of juicy red fruits, with prominent notes of red cherry, raspberry, and strawberry. These flavors are complemented by a subtle touch of floral and herbal nuances, adding complexity and depth. The wine has a good balance between fruitiness, acidity, and a gentle, silky texture. The finish is bright, lively, and refreshing.
When it comes to the aroma, Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages’ bouquet is dominated by red fruit aromas, such as ripe red cherries and wild strawberries. It also showcases subtle floral notes, and even hints of herbs and spices – such as a touch of thyme or white pepper, which adds to the wine’s aromatic complexity.
Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages 2021 falls on the lighter side of the red wine spectrum. It showcases a delicate and lively character that is characteristic of many Beaujolais wines, making it refreshing, and easy to drink and pair.
What Does It Taste Like?
ON THE NOSE
- Red fruit
- Floral, honeysuckle
- Hint of spice and dried herbs
ON THE PALATE
- Light bodied
- Red fruits
- Medium acid and tannins
Pros & Cons
WHAT I LOVED:
- Light bodied
- Easy to drink
- Enjoyable wine at a great price point
JUST A HEADS-UP
- This is more of a “drink now” wine
- May need to open up a bit first
3.
Nicole Chanrion Domaine de la Voute des Crozes Cote de Brouilly 2021
ALCOHOL %
13%
COUNTRY
France
REGION
Cote de Brouilly
STYLE
Gamay
BODY
Light
Overview
Let’s hear it for women in the wine world! Nicole Chanrion is a highly respected winemaker in the Beaujolais region, particularly in Côte de Brouilly. She has gained recognition for her commitment to traditional winemaking practices, and her emphasis on showcasing the terroir in her wines. Nicole Chanrion’s wines are often characterized by their elegance, balance, and ability to reflect the distinctiveness of the Côte de Brouilly vineyards.
Nicole Chanrion Domaine de la Voute des Crozes Côte de Brouilly is a renowned wine from the Côte de Brouilly appellation in Beaujolais, France. Known for its vibrant and expressive nature, it’s produced from Gamay grapes grown on the slopes of the Brouilly hill in Beaujolais. The vineyards are situated on volcanic soils, which imparts unique mineral qualities to the wines. Côte de Brouilly wines typically display bright fruit flavors, refreshing acidity, and a medium-bodied profile.
Tasting notes include notes of red cherry, raspberry, strawberry and plum. You may also note hints of blackberries. There’s a refreshing acidity, providing a lively and vibrant mouthfeel. The mineral-rich soils of Côte de Brouilly can contribute subtle earthy and stony notes, adding complexity to the wine.
On the nose, Côte de Brouilly wines can offer an aromatic bouquet that combines vibrant fruit aromas with floral and herbal undertones. You may encounter aromas of red berries, such as cherries and raspberries, along with hints of violet, rose petal, and wildflowers. Additionally, some vintages might feature delicate spice notes or herbal nuances.
This wine tends to fall more in the medium-bodied range. While not as light-bodied as some other Beaujolais wines, it’s still fresh and approachable, and well-balanced.
What Does It Taste Like?
ON THE NOSE
- Cherry, plum, pomegranate
- Minerals from the blue schist stones
ON THE PALATE
- More tannins the some other Beaujolais
- Cherry, raspberry and blackberry
- Earthy tones and bit of spice
Pros & Cons
WHAT I LOVED:
- Well balanced
- Easy to drink and smooth.
JUST A HEADS-UP
- This one is a bit more tannic than some other Beaujolais wines
4.
Chateau des Jacques Moulin-a-Vent Clos de Rochegres 2020
ALCOHOL %
14%
COUNTRY
France
REGION
Beaujolais
STYLE
Gamay
BODY
Medium
Overview
Château des Jacques Moulin-à-Vent Clos de Rochegrès 2020 is a notable wine from the Moulin-à-Vent appellation within the Beaujolais region of France. Produced by Château des Jacques, which is owned by the iconic Burgundy house Maison Louis Jadot, this wine showcases the unique terroir of Moulin-à-Vent.
Moulin-à-Vent Wines: Moulin-à-Vent wines are considered some of the most robust and structured among the Beaujolais Crus. They are known for their ability to age gracefully and exhibit a more concentrated and complex flavor profile compared to other Beaujolais wines. Moulin-à-Vent wines often possess depth, intensity, and a firm structure that lends itself well to cellaring.
You’ll find tasting notes of dark berries and fruit characteristics, such as strawberry, black cherry, and raspberry, accompanied by earthy notes, hints of spice, and a subtle minerality, Well-integrated tannins make this a wine that ages very well. You’ll also find a long finish.
On the nose, complex aromas like dark fruits are notes complemented by earthy undertones, hints of floral elements like rose and peony, spice nuances and minerality.
This Moulin-à-Vent leans medium to full-bodied rather than light-bodied, offering more depth and weight on the palate. It ages well and maintains its character over time.
What Does It Taste Like?
ON THE NOSE
- Dark berries
- Floral, with rose and peony
- Hint of minerality
ON THE PALATE
- Long lasting tannins
- Bright acidity
- Medium to full bodied
Pros & Cons
WHAT I LOVED:
- Everything, honestly. This one is a favorite in our house.
- Well balanced
- Ages well
JUST A HEADS-UP
- This wine can sometimes be on the pricier side
- Might not be a top pick if you prefer a light bodied Beaujolais
5.
Chateau Thivin Cote de Brouilly 2020
ALCOHOL %
14.1%
COUNTRY
France
REGION
Cote de Brouilly
STYLE
Gamay
BODY
Medium
Overview
Château Thivin Côte de Brouilly 2020 is a notable wine from the Côte de Brouilly appellation in the Beaujolais region of France. Known for their commitment to quality, Château Thivin produces wines that exemplify the characteristics of the Gamay grape and the unique terroir of Côte de Brouilly. Known for their vibrancy, freshness, and mineral-driven nature, these wines are produced from Gamay grapes grown on the slopes of Mont Brouilly, which is a volcanic hill. The volcanic soils contribute to the wines’ distinctive mineral qualities and lend a sense of terroir expression. Côte de Brouilly wines often display bright fruit flavors, refreshing acidity, and a medium-bodied profile.
Tasting notes here include red fruit flavors. You’ll find notes of red strawberry and raspberry, which contribute to the wine’s bright and lively character. You may also detect a bit of earthiness and a hint of spice. It’s smooth, well-balanced and enjoyable to drink.
On the nose, an aromatic bouquet of cassis, cherry, raspberry and violet florals swirl with earthiness and spice.
This one falls on the light to medium-bodied end of the spectrum. Vibrant fruit flavors and a good level of concentration maintain an overall lightness on the palate. A balance of fruitiness, acidity, and a relatively moderate tannin structure make this one enjoyable.
What Does It Taste Like?
ON THE NOSE
- Cherry, raspberry
- Earthy
- Hints of cassis, violet floral
ON THE PALATE
- Bright acidity
- Red berries, like strawberry and raspberry
- Smooth
Pros & Cons
WHAT I LOVED:
- Well balanced, smooth and vibrant
- Pairs well with wide range of foods
- Great producer and pick from this region
JUST A HEADS-UP
- I prefer this one decanted for a little while, enjoying it more once it opens up