{"id":20982,"date":"2021-11-14T10:23:22","date_gmt":"2021-11-14T15:23:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/divino.wine\/?p=20982"},"modified":"2022-01-11T08:37:36","modified_gmt":"2022-01-11T13:37:36","slug":"beaujolais-wine-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/divino.wine\/beaujolais-wine-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best of Beaujolais"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The what, where, and wonderful world of Beaujolais wines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While Beaujolais is geographically the southernmost wine-producing region of Burgundy, it is generally considered a region of its own for a number of reasons. The climate and terrain has much more in common with the Rh\u00f4ne region, and the main grape is Gamay, as opposed to Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The history of winemaking in Beaujolais shares similar origins with the rest of Burgundy, starting with Roman civilization the Catholic Church, but things took a turn during the Middle Ages. Compared to Pinot Noir, Gamay ripens earlier, is easier to cultivate ad extremely prolific. Despite local success of the grape variety throughout the region, a Burgundian Duke outlawed the planting and production of Gamay-based wines in the North in favor of more \u201celegant\u201d and commercially viable Pinot Noir, asnd thus, Gamay moved and found a welcoming granite-rich soil and warmer climate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beaujolais has since regained its reputation not only for large scale production \u2013 Beaujolais produces far more wine than the rest of Burgundy\u2014but also for quality. Northern Beaujolais is steeper, cooler, and has a blend of soil types, including larger quantities of granite and schist. This is where you find the top Beaujolais Crus. Wines are full-bodied and sleek, with distinctive character, aromatic complexity spanning deep fruit and earthy, smoky notes, and a potential to age. The south is warmer, flatter and sandier. Wines are rounder, fruiter, and easy to drink with all kinds of foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While much of the world has come to know Beaujolais for the light-bodied, fruit-forward Beaujolais Nouveau wines, but true connoisseurs and collectors alike have realized the potential of Beaujolais to produce exceptional wines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Main Beaujolais Grape Varieties<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Gamay, Aligot\u00e9, Chardonnay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beaujolais Wine Classification<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Beaujolais appellations (AOCS) and classifications were established along with most of France in 1936, and have since evolved slightly to account for distinctive crus and quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
AOC Beaujolais and Beaujolais Sup\u00e9rior<\/strong> can be produced throughout the region. Sup\u00e9rior refers to riper, grapes and higher minimum ABV, which would denote a slightly fuller and more elegant body. These generally considered easy-to-drink, everyday wines.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
AOC Beaujolais Blanc and Ros\u00e9<\/strong> exist, largely in the North, and whre possible, growers align themselves with a Burgundy Villages AOC.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
AOC Beaujolais-Villages AOC<\/strong>, like the rest of Burgundy is specific to growing areas surrounding said village. Most them are red and also meant to be enjoyed relatively young. There 39 currently, some of which coincide with more prestigious AOC Burgundy Villages, like Macon-Village, and produce white wines. Find one online.<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Cru Beaujolais<\/strong> carry the appellation (AOC) of the cru vineyard where the grapes originate. They are all located in the North. These are the top-tier Beaujolais wines, all almost exclusively made from Gamay. Some of them age longer than others, and range fruit-forward to bold and spicy. They are all considered exceptional expressions of the Gamay grape.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Beaujolais Crus to Recognize<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Brouilly<\/strong>\u00a0 – The largest cru that also allows white grapes like Aligot\u00e9 and Chardonnay. <\/li>
C\u00f4te de Brouilly<\/strong> \u2013 Located within the Brouilly designated\u00a0 growing area, on the slopes of an extinct volcano, which adds complexity to the soil and depth to the wine. <\/li>
Chiroubles<\/strong> \u2013 High slopes, and more delicate floral aromas. <\/li>