Beaujolais
Place and winemaking bring out Gamay’s fruit, freshness and sometimes ageing potential.
Terroirs, appellations and label clues
Beaujolais and Beaujolais-Villages are joined by ten crus, including Morgon, Fleurie, Moulin-à-Vent and Brouilly. Beaujolais nouveau is a young release, not the whole region. Some crus can age: Gamay is not only for immediate drinking.
To get started
Try a supple Gamay and then a more structured cru to move beyond the idea of a single Beaujolais style.
Key grapes
Gamay — A fruity red, often light and enjoyable with a slight chill. Try it slightly cool: fruit and acidity stand out, while an overly warm glass may seem less precise.
Compare regions
Compare regions in the same country too: the same grape can produce different wines as climate, site and producer choices change.
Style descriptions are guides, not rules: vintage, vineyard, blending and maturation change the result.
