Beaujolais Brilliance

Uncorked: Your Monthly Wine Exploration

Beaujolais Brilliance

The Magic of Beaujolais: More Than Just a November Celebration

Dear Wine Lovers,

As the crisp autumn winds sweep through the rolling hills of eastern France, we turn our attention to a wine region that captures both tradition and festivity: Beaujolais. This month, we're diving deep into the world of Beaujolais, exploring its unique character and the much-anticipated Beaujolais Nouveau.

Beaujolais: A Vibrant Viticultural Landscape

Nestled just south of Burgundy, the Beaujolais region is a testament to the art of winemaking. Characterized by its granite-rich soils and distinctive Gamay grape, Beaujolais produces wines that are as charming as the landscape itself. Unlike the more serious, oak-aged wines of its northern neighbour, Beaujolais offers a lighter, more playful wine experience.

The Beaujolais Grape: Gamay's Glory

The Gamay grape is the star of this region. Thin-skinned and light-bodied, it produces wines that are:

• Incredibly fruity

• Low in tannins

• Bursting with bright red fruit flavours

• Meant to be enjoyed young and fresh

Beaujolais Nouveau: A Global Celebration

Every third Thursday of November, the wine world erupts in excitement with the release of Beaujolais Nouveau. This young wine, fermented for just a few weeks before release, is more than just a beverage—it's a global celebration of the year's harvest. The secret to its unique character lies in carbonic maceration, a fermentation process where whole grape clusters are fermented in a carbon dioxide-rich environment. This method produces wines that are fruity, aromatic, and low in tannins. The entire process—from vine to bottle—happens in just a few short weeks!

Tasting Notes for Beaujolais Nouveau 2024:

• Colour: Vibrant purple red

• Aroma: Fresh banana, bubble gum, and ripe strawberries

• Flavour Profile: Light, juicy, with playful fruit notes

• Serving Suggestion: Slightly chilled, paired with autumn appetizers.

Beyond Nouveau: The World of Beaujolais Wines

While Beaujolais Nouveau is fun and fleeting, the broader Beaujolais region offers wines with greater depth and complexity, perfect for those seeking something more sophisticated.

The Beaujolais Hierarchy

1. Beaujolais AOC: Simple, easy-drinking wines, often enjoyed young.

2. Beaujolais-Villages AOC: From higher-quality vineyards, these wines have more structure and complexity.

3. The Crus of Beaujolais: The pinnacle of Beaujolais winemaking, these 10 Crus (like Morgon, Fleurie, and Moulin-à-Vent) offer diverse styles ranging from light and floral to robust and age-worthy.

Pairing Recommendations

This month, we recommend:

• Charcuterie boards

• Roasted poultry

• Mushroom dishes

• Light pasta plates

Cheers to exploration and the joy of wine!

Your Devoted Sommelier