AOC Chiroubles

Chiroubles takes its name from the village where it is made, in the northern part of the Rhône department, on the east-facing flank of the Monts du Beaujolais. In the 19th century, the village also left its mark on wine history through Victor Pulliat.

Victor Pulliat and Grafting Against Phylloxera

Born in Chiroubles in 1827, Victor Pulliat was a grower, ampelographer and professor of viticulture. On his property in the village, he gathered a collection of 1,200 grape varieties. From it, he drew up a ripening scale that ranks varieties by how early they mature.

When phylloxera, a tiny insect from North America, was destroying French vineyards, he championed grafting French varieties onto American rootstocks, whose roots resist the pest. In the 1880s, he was one of the driving forces behind this fight, and his vines were the first to be grafted in the Rhône department.

Grafting has since become standard practice worldwide, and Pulliat played a decisive role in replanting the vineyards. He also founded the Société régionale de viticulture de Lyon.

History of the AOC Chiroubles Appellation

The AOC Chiroubles is a Beaujolais cru, nestled in a natural cirque between the vineyards of Morgon and Fleurie. Recognized in 1936, this appellation is known for its granitic soils and altitude. Chiroubles wines, exclusively red, are produced from the Gamay grape variety and are renowned for being among the finest in Beaujolais.

Climate and Terroir of the AOC Chiroubles Appellation

• Climate: Chiroubles benefits from a semi-continental climate with a Mediterranean influence. Winters are mild and summers moderately warm. The unique relief of the vineyard helps protect the vines from northern winds.
• Soils: The soils are mainly composed of porous granite and granitic sands, giving the Gamay grape, the flagship grape of Beaujolais, an unparalleled finesse.

Key Grape Varieties of the AOC Chiroubles Appellation

The AOC Chiroubles produces only red wines based on the Gamay grape, the main red grape of the region. This grape gives rise to supple and easy-drinking red wines, with light tannins and a fruity aromatic profile.

Style of AOC Chiroubles Wines

• Appearance: AOC Chiroubles wines have a light cherry red color with violet reflections.
• Nose: The nose offers aromas of red and black fruits (cherry, wild strawberries, raspberry) as well as floral notes (iris, violet).
• Palate: On the palate, Chiroubles wines are distinguished by their finesse and lightness. They are generally well-balanced, with a beautiful freshness and soft tannins.
• Serving Temperature: 15°-17° Celsius
• Aging Potential: 2 to 5 years

Best Food Pairings with AOC Chiroubles Wines

Here are some suggestions to accompany a red wine from a domaine or château in AOC Chiroubles:

• Rabbit with mustard
• Charcuterie
• Veal liver
• Lyonnais sausage in brioche
• Poultry ballotines

From Foehn Winds to a Cru Festival: Chiroubles Essentials

What Does the Foehn Effect Do in Chiroubles?

In Chiroubles, the foehn effect dries out the moist air that crosses the Monts du Beaujolais, so the vineyard gets more sunlight and less rain. It also brings warm temperatures while the grapes ripen, offsetting the altitude of vines planted between 260 and 600 meters (about 850 to 1,970 feet).

Why Are Chiroubles Growers Called Heroic?

Chiroubles growers are often called heroic because many of their slopes are very steep and are worked largely by hand. According to the InterBeaujolais trade body, gradients there often exceed 30%. On these light soils, farming practices also aim to limit erosion.

What Is the Fête des Crus du Beaujolais?

The Fête des Crus du Beaujolais is a celebration that began at the initiative of the village of Chiroubles. It features a large annual competition, and the top-ranked wine receives the Victor Pulliat Cup, in memory of the ampelographer from the village.

Where to Buy Chiroubles Direct from the Winemaker?

You can buy Chiroubles direct from the winemaker on Avenue des Vins. Every wine's page shows its appellation and region.

See also: AOC Fleurie - AOC Morgon - AOC Régnié