Beaujolais Wine Region

 

Beaujolais, France as a Wine Region

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- Beaujolais
Upon hearing Beaujolais, many think of the large celebration for wine that comes out the 3rd week of November, that year's vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau. But the region of Beaujolais, situated at the bottom of the Burgundy AC, is more than just the nouveau. Some Beaujolais wines can be kept (gasp!) for up to 10 years! Those are usually the Cru Beaujolais and are much lower in production than the drink-it-now.
Notable Facts
Even though Beaujolais is technically part of Burgundy, its climate, soil, grape varieties and winemaking methods make it completely separate in character. The primary grape of Beaujolais is Gamay, a very thin-skinned, light bodied grape that does particularly well in Beaujolais. It also does particularly well with the method of winemaking in Beaujolais – Carbonic Maceration. Carbonic maceration is anaerobic fermentation – meaning the fermentation takes place INSIDE the berry. How does this happen? Whole grape clusters are carefully put into a tank, given carbon dioxide and sealed to prevent contact with oxygen. Then a chemical process occurs inside the grape, turning sugars in to ethanol, aka alcohol. The process allows the fermenting juice to extract the color of the skins and the fruitiness of the grape without the harsh tannins of the skins. Not all Beaujolais use this method, but almost every Beaujolais Nouveau does. The result is a very fruity wine with fresh berry favors and super-light tannins and body.
The ACs of Beaujolais
Over half of the production of Beaujolais is under the Beaujolais AC. The second level is Beaujolais-Village, and the final is Beaujolais Crus, of which there are ten. Beaujolais Villages AC is a bit better quality than the first level, and the ten Crus are even higher quality. Most Cru Beaujolais AC wines use regular fermentation rather than carbonic, and some even let their wines age a bit in oak. In fact, after a few years in oak and bottle, a good vintage of Beaujolais can be mistaken for a Burgundy! But this is the exception to the rule - the majority of Beaujolais should be drunk within the first 2 years. In a good vintage a few of the cru wines may hold up for more, but Beaujolais is known for being fruity, light and easy drinking for right now. Serve a bit cool and enjoy without thought.
The 10 Cru Beaujolais to look for: Morgon, St-Amour, Juliénas, Chénas, Moulin-à-Vent, Brouilly, Côte-du-Brouilly, Fleurie, Chiroubles, Regnié.

France as a Wine Country

Capital: Paris
Currency: Euro

When it comes to wine, France is a classic. Classic blends, grapes and styles began in the country and they still remain. Think about it - people ask for a Burgundian style Pinot Noir, they refer to wines as Bordeaux or Rhone blends - Champagne even had to pass a law to stop international wineries from putting their region on the label of all sparkling wine.
The top regions of France are: Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Languedoc-Roussillon, Loire, Rhone. And these regions are so diverse! It makes sense that wine regions throughout the world try to emulate their style. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are no longer French varieties, but international varieties. They may not be the leader of cutting edge technology or value-priced wines, but there is no doubt that they are still producing wines of great quality and diversity.



Wines from Beaujolais Region

Wine£
Beaujolais

This wine comes from the 39 superior villages of Beaujolais and is a triumphant blend by m..
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6.49
Fleurie Flower Label 2007 Georges Duboeuf

Fleurie is one of the ten crus of Beaujolais and one of the most sought after. Georges Dub..
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7.99
Lancié 2008 Louis Latour

The vineyards of Lancié are blessed with exemplary conditions for producing fine Be..
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8.00
Morgon Les Charmes 2007 Louis Latour

Found on the gently sloping, south facing hillside overlooking the picturesque village of ..
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9.00
Chénas 2006 Cave du Château de Chénas

From a co-operative whose cellars, dating back to the 17th century, providing ideal condit..
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9.99
Moulin

Les Michelons is a single vineyard chosen by Maison Louis Latour for its ideal southerly e..
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11.00
Beaujolais Lantignié 2007 Louis Jadot

The village of Latignie is just north west of Regnie in the heart of the Beaujolais-Villag..
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8.99
Fleurie 2006 Labouré

Deep ruby in colour with a highly aromatic nose suggesting red fruits alongside violet and..
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9.00


Hotels in France

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