28 Aug 2024
The Beaujolais region is located in eastern France, just south of Burgundy. It is renowned for its wine production, particularly from the Gamay grape. The region is divided into several appellations, including Beaujolais AOC, Beaujolais Villages AOC, and the 10 Beaujolais Crus, which are known for producing some of the finest wines in the area.
Beaujolais wines are typically light-bodied with high acidity and low tannins, making them very approachable and easy to drink.
The region is famous for its Beaujolais Nouveau, a young wine released just weeks after harvest, celebrated worldwide on the third Thursday of ovember. The soils in Beaujolais vary, with granite and schist in the north and clay-based soils in the south, contributing to the unique characteristics of the wines.
The history of Beaujolais winemaking dates back to Roman times, with significant contributions from Benedictine monks during the Middle Ages.
Today, Beaujolais continues to be a vibrant and dynamic wine region, known for its rich winemaking traditions and innovative approach. The unique combination of soil, climate, and topography in Beaujolais contributes to the distinctive character of its wines. The northern part of the region, where the Crus are located, has granite and schist soils that are particularly well-suited for the Gamay grape. These soils help to produce wines with depth, complexity, and minerality.
Many producers in Beaujolais use traditional winemaking techniques such as carbonic maceration, which enhances the fruity and floral characteristics of the Gamay grape. This method involves fermenting whole grape clusters in a carbon dioxide-rich environment, resulting in wines that are fresh, vibrant, and aromatic.
Beaujolais offers a range of wine styles, from the light and fruity Beaujolais Nouveau to the more structured and age-worthy wines from the Crus. This diversity means there is something for every palate and occasion, making Beaujolais wines versatile and appealing.
Despite their quality, Beaujolais wines are generally very affordable. Even the top wines from the Crus can often be found at reasonable prices, making them excellent value for money.
This affordability is partly due to the region’s focus on producing wines that are meant to be enjoyed young, reducing the costs associated with long-term aging.
Many Beaujolais producers are committed to sustainable, organic, and biodynamic farming practices. These practices not only benefit the environment but also contribute to the quality and purity of the wines.
The ten Crus of Beaujolais are known for producing some of the finest wines in the region.
Each Cru has its own unique characteristics, Morgon is known for its rich, full-bodied wines with flavours of dark fruit and earthy notes, Fleurie produces elegant, floral wines with a silky texture and Moulin-à-Vent is often considered the most age-worthy, with robust structure and complex flavours.
So, whether you’re looking for a light, refreshing wine for a casual meal or a more complex bottle for a special occasion, Beaujolais has something to offer.
The Gamay grape, also known as Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc, is a purple-coloured grape variety primarily used to make red wines. It is most notably grown in the Beaujolais region of France and the Loire Valley around Tours.
This grape variety is known for producing light-bodied, fruity wines with vibrant flavours of strawberries, raspberries, and floral notes like lilac and violets.
Gamay is a very old cultivar, first mentioned as far back as the 15th century. It is a vigorous vine that tends to produce high yields, especially when planted on acidic soils, which help to soften its naturally high acidity.
The grape is often associated with carbonic maceration, a winemaking technique that enhances its fruity and floral characteristics.
This week’s recommendations all come from Wickham Wines, founded by Dan Farrell-Wright in 2020.
“Where possible we try to work directly with producers, reducing the supply chain and providing better value to both parties,” he says.
“We’ve also invested in efficient fulfilment to further improve our proposition to customers.”
Wickhams focuses on producers who champion sustainability.
“We are confident in our selections, which is why we can offer our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee,” says Dan.
“Combined with our affordable shipping anywhere in the UK (and free over £40), customers can easily try wines from our list.”
For the last three years, Wickhams has been short-listed in the Decanter Retailer Awards Specialist categories, winning South & Regional France this year.
Domaine de Mont Joly ‘La Pointe’ Beaujolais Villages 2018 RRP £19.99 (RRP £17.99 Any 6 Mix)
The Domaine de Mont Joly ‘La Pointe’ Beaujolais Villages 2018 is a delightful expression of the Gamay grape, showcasing the unique terroir of the Beaujolais region. This wine is crafted from 48-year-old vines, which contribute to its depth and complexity.
On the nose, it bursts with bright red strawberry fruit, complemented by floral notes of peony and violets. There’s also a subtle hint of minerality that adds an intriguing layer to the bouquet. The palate is equally impressive, offering a fruity profile with well-integrated tannins. The flavours of red berries are prominent, accompanied by a touch of minerality that provides a refreshing balance. The wine is smooth and approachable, making it a pleasure to drink.
This wine is perfect to start a meal with a plate of charcuterie and some cornichons. Its vibrant fruit and balanced acidity make it a versatile pairing for a variety of dishes.
The Domaine de Mont Joly ‘La Pointe’ Beaujolais Villages 2018 is a true terroir wine that reflects the care and dedication of its winemaker, Jean-Baptiste Bachevillier. It’s a wine to enjoy young, and it will be drinking well until 2025.
Domaine Bel Avenir Juliénas ‘Les Capitans’ 2020 RRP £17.75 (RRP £15.75 Any 6 Mix)
The Domaine Bel Avenir Juliénas ‘Les Capitans’ 2020 is a testament to the rich heritage and meticulous artisanry of the Beaujolais region.
On the nose, it offers an enticing bouquet of ripe red and black fruits, such as cherries and blackberries, complemented by floral notes of violets and a hint of spice. There is also a subtle earthy undertone that adds complexity. The palate is rich and well-structured, with a harmonious balance of fruit and acidity. The flavours of juicy red berries are prominent, accompanied by a touch of minerality and soft, well-integrated tannins. The wine’s texture is smooth and elegant, making it a pleasure to drink.
This wine pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, including roasted meats, poultry, and hearty vegetable dishes.
The Domaine Bel Avenir Juliénas ‘Les Capitans’ 2020 is a superb wine that reflects the dedication and expertise of its winemakers. It is approachable now but also has the potential to develop further with a few years of aging.
Domaine Bel Avenir Fleurie ‘Poncie’ 2022 RRP £17.50 (RRP £15.75 Any 6 Mix)
The Domaine Bel Avenir Fleurie ‘Poncie’ 2022 is a beautiful representation of the Fleurie appellation, showcasing the elegance and finesse of the Gamay grape.
On the nose, it reveals delicate floral aromas, typical of the Fleurie style. Notes of red fruits are prominent, accompanied by subtle hints of undergrowth and a peppery side. The palate is supple and silky, with well-integrated tannins. The flavours of juicy red berries are complemented by a touch of minerality and a hint of spice, providing a refreshing balance.
This wine pairs beautifully with terrines and pâtés, grilled and roasted white meats, or hard cheeses.
Clos du Vieux Bourg ‘Croix Penet’ Réginié 2021 RRP £18.50 (RRP £16.65 Any 6 Mix)
The Clos du Vieux Bourg ‘Croix Penet’ Réginié 2021 is a captivating wine from the youngest of the Beaujolais crus, Régnié. This wine beautifully showcases the unique characteristics of the region’s terroir.
On the nose, it bursts with aromas of wild strawberries, cherries, and redcurrants. These fruity notes are complemented by subtle hints of spice and a touch of minerality. The palate is well-balanced with gentle tannins and a refreshing acidity. The flavours of red summer fruits are prominent, accompanied by an enticing spicy note and a hint of minerality that adds depth and complexity.
This wine is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. It makes an excellent picnic wine and pairs well with seafood paella, grilled meats, and hearty vegetable dishes.
Clos du Vieux Bourg ‘Cinq Terres’ Morgon 2020 RRP £18.50 (RRP £16.65 Any 6 Mix)
The Clos du Vieux Bourg ‘Cinq Terres’ Morgon 2020 is a remarkable wine from the Morgon appellation, known for its depth and complexity.
On the nose, it offers an enticing bouquet of black plum, apricot, raspberry, strawberry, and black cherry. These fruity notes are complemented by subtle hints of dried violet blossom and hay, adding layers of complexity. The palate is well-structured and concentrated, with flavours of blackberry, black tea, and stony minerality. Additional notes of black cherry,
strawberry liquorice, clove, cedar, and black plum provide a rich and savoury experience.
The wine’s texture is balanced and round, with medium acidity and gentle tannins.
This wine pairs beautifully with grilled red meats, poultry, and goat cheese.
The Clos du Vieux Bourg ‘Cinq Terres’ Morgon 2020 is a superb wine. It is approachable now but also has the potential to develop further with a few years of aging.
