Welcome to the enchanting world of Beaujolais, my darlings. As someone who loves uncovering hidden gems, this French winemaking region has stolen my heart. Nestled between two wine powerhouses, Beaujolais stands tall as an underdog, ready to impress even the most discerning wine enthusiasts.
Beaujolais boasts a range of wine styles to please every palate. From the lively and quaffable Beaujolais Nouveau, released just weeks after harvest with great fanfare every November, to the more structured and age-worthy crus like Morgon, Fleurie, and Moulin-à-Vent, there's a Beaujolais wine for every occasion.
The star of Beaujolais wine is undoubtedly Gamay, an expressive and light-skinned red grape varietal that thrives in the region's granite-rich soils. Known for its enchanting aromatics and luscious fruit-forward character, Gamay produces wines that burst with flavors of juicy red berries, tangy cherries, and delicate floral notes. Over 90% of all wine production in Beaujolais is red wine, which makes seeing a Beaujolais Blanc (or Chardonnay with a nose and palate of a light, minimal intervention delight) a rare and exciting experience.
Beaujolais thrives in a moderate continental climate with warm summers and cool winters – the perfect recipe for grape cultivation. The granite-based soils work their magic, retaining the sun's heat and regulating temperatures, nurturing the grapes into their full, characteristic flavors. These soils ensure the vines stay happy and healthy, with no water woes in sight.
But what truly captivates me is the craftsmanship of Beaujolais winemakers, who skillfully embrace carbonic maceration. This unique process takes a different approach to fermentation, where whole clusters of grapes are placed in a carbon dioxide-rich environment, and fermentation begins inside the intact berries themselves. The result? A distinctive and vibrant flavor profile that sets the resulting wine apart from the rest.
I can't help but reminisce about my “OH LORD” moment when I first tasted Mencia – another grape that goes through this fascinating process. The explosion of fruit flavors on my palate was simply unmatched and left a lasting impression on me.
Beyond the captivating wines, Beaujolais unravels breathtaking landscapes adorned with charming villages and picturesque vineyards. The winemakers here? They're the true rockstars of the region, eager to share their stories and the magic of their wines.
So, raise your glasses and dive into this enchanting region. Sip and savor the 2020 Domaine Les Gryphées Gamay and 2020 Trenel Chardonnay Beaujolais Blanc. These wines will whisk you away on a journey of flavors and emotions that'll stay with you long after that last sip.
Gretchen Fleck FHG Director of Wine
Join us at Foxes to taste unique wines from around the world and indulge in inventive cocktails. Learn about the dedication and love behind their creation and gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry involved.