Beaujolais
Beaujolais is located in the south of Burgundy, France. The area is well known for its red wines, which are created from the Gamay vine. While much of the region produces light fruity reds its 10 Crus notable vineyards like Fleurie and Morgon, provide complex high-quality wines. Beaujolais Nouveau, often called Beaujolais Primeur is what Beaujolais is known for.
The best wines from Beaujolais
Beaujolais is located in the south of Burgundy, France. The area is well known for its red wines, which are created from the Gamay vine. While much of the region produces light fruity reds its 10 Crus notable vineyards like Fleurie and Morgon, provide complex high-quality wines. Beaujolais Nouveau, often called Beaujolais Primeur is what Beaujolais is known for. This is a fresh and young wine that is released each year (2023, 2024, 2025 etc). It is released on the third Thursday of November, this is also known as Beaujolais day.
Grapes in wines from Beaujolais
Gamay
Gamay has thrived in Beaujolais since the 17th century benefiting from the region's diverse terroir. Its thin purple and black grapes form compact clusters with smooth edged leaves. Northern granite soils result in structured wine, while southern clay and sandstone produce fruitier tastes. Beaujolais' temperate environment and techniques like carbonic maceration boost the fruitiness of its primarily red wines. While Gamay dominates plantings, a small amount of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are also planted.
Among the best wines from the region are those from famous producers such as Louis Jadot, Château des Jacques, and Domaine Marcel Lapierre, who offer everything from approachable Beaujolais-Villages to nuanced, age-worthy crus.
Wine producers
Appelations in Beaujolais
The Beaujolais wine region boasts 12 AOCs (Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée). Including 2 regional ones Beaujolais and Beaujolais Villages and 10 Crus: Brouilly, Cete de Brouilly, Chenas, Chiroubles, Fleurie, Julienas, Morgon, Moulin-a-Vent, Regnie, and Saint-Amour. The 10 Crus from Beaujolais are considered the best vineyard of the Beaujolais.
