AOC Brouilly

History of the AOC Brouilly appellation

The AOC Brouilly vineyard, located in the Beaujolais region, has a history stretching back centuries. Its name is closely tied to Mont Brouilly, an emblematic volcanic hill in the area. The first vines were planted by Benedictine monks during the Middle Ages. Since then, viticulture has flourished in this zone with its unique granitic soils.

Climate and terroir of the AOC Brouilly appellation

Climate: The AOC Brouilly vineyards sit within the Beaujolais region, benefiting from a semi-continental climate with oceanic influences, ideal conditions for the gradual ripening of the grapes.

Soils: The vines are planted on steep slopes of pink granite, lending the wines a distinctive character. The AOC Brouilly terroir is defined above all by its granitic soils.

Gamay: the essential grape variety of AOC Brouilly

Gamay, the flagship red grape variety of Beaujolais, finds one of its finest expressions in the Brouilly cru. In the AOC Brouilly appellation, this red variety, known for its lightness, produces wines of remarkable complexity and finesse.

Style of AOC Brouilly wines

Appearance: Deep ruby with dark violet highlights.

Nose: AOC Brouilly red wines reveal typical aromas of small red fruits, strawberry, raspberry, and woodland berries.

Palate: Supple and fruity, with genuine finesse. Low in tannins, this is a red wine made to be enjoyed young. Serving temperature: 14°–16°C. Drinking window: 2 to 3 years.

The best food pairings for AOC Brouilly red wine

Here are a few dishes to bring out the best in a bottle of AOC Brouilly red from one of our producer estates:

• Saucisson en brioche
• Andouillette sausage, Lyonnaise style
• Steak tartare or carpaccio
• Veal paupiettes
• Shepherd's pie (hachis Parmentier)

How AOC Brouilly wines are made

Brouilly is vinified exclusively from the appellation's single authorised grape variety: Gamay noir à jus blanc. Partial carbonic maceration, the emblematic technique of Beaujolais, is widely used to preserve the gamay's fruity and floral expression. Some producers in the cru opt for longer traditional macerations to extract greater structure and depth, producing Brouilly wines capable of ageing between 5 and 7 years. Élevage is generally carried out in stainless steel tanks to retain freshness and fruit. At Avenue des Vins, you will find Brouilly wines from estate producers working direct from the producer, vignerons who oversee the entire process, from vine to cellar.

Brouilly or Côte de Brouilly: what is the difference?

Brouilly and Côte de Brouilly are two distinct Beaujolais appellations, both centred around Mont Brouilly, yet radically different in character. AOC Brouilly extends across the plains and lower slopes, on granitic soils: the wines are supple, fruity and approachable in their youth. AOC Côte de Brouilly covers the steeper flanks of the hill, on diorite and hornfels soils: the wines are more structured, more mineral, with a superior ageing potential. In short: Brouilly for immediate pleasure and generosity; Côte de Brouilly for complexity and keeping.

Buying AOC Brouilly wines direct from the producer at Avenue des Vins

Avenue des Vins offers a selection of AOC Brouilly wines sourced directly from producer estates. Every bottle is stored in the producer's own cellar and shipped to your door without any intermediary, guaranteed vintage freshness, full traceability and fair pricing. Our Brouilly producers, Domaine des Fournelles, Domaine Crêt des Garanches, Domaine Bernard Jomain, Domaine de Briante, Domaine Gilles Copéret and Domaine Comte de Monspey, are estate producers who grow, vinify and sell their own wines. Buying direct from the producer means supporting these Beaujolais artisans directly.

Frequently asked questions about AOC Brouilly wines

What is the AOC Brouilly appellation ?

AOC Brouilly is the largest of the ten Beaujolais crus, with approximately 1,300 hectares of vines in the Rhône département. Producing exclusively red wines from the Gamay grape, the appellation spans six communes: Odenas, Saint-Lager, Cercié, Charentay, Saint-Étienne-la-Varenne and Quincié-en-Beaujolais. Mont Brouilly, the area's highest point, is the emblematic geographical landmark of the appellation.

What is the ideal serving temperature for a Brouilly ?

AOC Brouilly wines are best served between 14°C and 16°C. Too cold, and the fruity aromas close up. Too warm, and the low tannins are overwhelmed by alcohol. The trick: take the bottle out of the fridge 20 minutes before serving.

How long can you keep a Brouilly ?

Most Brouilly wines are best enjoyed within 2 to 3 years of harvest, to make the most of their fruit and freshness. Certain cuvées vinified in a more traditional style can be kept for 5 to 7 years. As a rule, warm vintages age better.

What is the difference between Brouilly and Côte de Brouilly ?

Brouilly, on granitic soils, is suppler and fruitier, made to be drunk young. Côte de Brouilly, on the steep slopes of the hill (diorite, hornfels), is more structured and mineral, with a greater ageing potential. Brouilly = immediate pleasure; Côte de Brouilly = complexity over time.

What food goes well with Brouilly ?

Brouilly pairs naturally with Lyonnaise charcuterie, roast poultry, white meats in sauce, soft-rind cheeses and aperitif platters. Serve between 14°C and 16°C for best results.

Why buy AOC Brouilly wines from Avenue des Vins ?

At Avenue des Vins, AOC Brouilly wines are sold directly by the producer estates, with no middlemen. Every bottle leaves the producer's cellar, guaranteeing vintage freshness, full traceability and fair prices. Our Brouilly producers are hand-picked estate vignerons, selected for the quality and authenticity of their cuvées.