Wines from Beaujolais

The Beaujolais region is often associated with Beaujolais Nouveau. Celebrated worldwide on the third Thursday of November, this young, fruity wine is easy to drink. However, the Beaujolais region also offers many renowned appellations and crus capable of aging in the cellar for a decade. Climate, terroir, appellations, grape varieties, and food pairings – discover everything you need to know about Beaujolais wines in our guide.

The Beaujolais Vineyard

Located between Mâcon in Burgundy and Lyon, the Beaujolais vineyard spans nearly 22,000 hectares. This wine region is globally known for the famous Beaujolais Nouveau, a fresh and fruity young wine. Beaujolais is a land of red wine, with around 98% of its production dedicated to red varieties. It offers a wide range of wines, from light and pleasant Beaujolais Villages appellations to the Beaujolais crus like Saint-Amour, Chénas, Moulin-à-Vent, and Morgon. These high-quality wines are perfect for aging and develop complex aromatic bouquets.

The Climate and Terroir of the Beaujolais Vineyard

The Beaujolais region has an ideal environment for the growth and flourishing of vineyards. The vines are oriented to the east and south, with hills protecting them from the wind, allowing for optimal ripening. In summer, Mediterranean influences help the grapes reach their full potential. The climate is temperate, allowing the grape varieties to be harvested early and to develop a concentrated aromatic profile.

The Beaujolais region has a wide range of different terroirs, with no fewer than 73 soil types where the red Gamay grape and Chardonnay are cultivated. In the south, the land consists mainly of limestone, producing full-bodied and smooth wines. In the northern area, in villages producing AOP Beaujolais Villages wines, the vines are grown on granite and schist soils.

The Different Beaujolais Appellations

Beaujolais Villages Wines

If you’re looking for a light, lively, and easy-drinking wine, a Beaujolais Villages appellation is an excellent choice. Made from Gamay, AOC Beaujolais Villages red wines are perfect for all your social occasions. These wines are best enjoyed young to savor their intense fruitiness and freshness.

Beaujolais Crus

Though Beaujolais is widely known for its young wines, it is also highly appreciated by connoisseurs for its Beaujolais crus. There are 10 village-level appellations, known as Beaujolais crus, which contribute to the region’s reputation:

• Saint-Amour, in the northern Beaujolais region, with light and refined wines
• Juliénas
• Chénas, offering more structured wines that age well
• Moulin-à-Vent, one of the most prestigious appellations in the region
• Fleurie, known for wines with intense aromas of red fruits and flowers
• Chiroubles, with delicate red wines
• Morgon, with robust and more tannic wines
• Régnié
• Brouilly
• Côte de Brouilly

Beaujolais Nouveau

Beaujolais Nouveau is a young wine celebrated on the third Thursday of November. This red wine is bottled as soon as the fermentation process is complete. Beaujolais Nouveau is light, fruity, and refreshing, perfect with a charcuterie board or as an aperitif. Although some cuvées may have simpler aromas, many Beaujolais winemakers now offer high-quality Beaujolais Nouveau at an affordable price.

Grape Varieties of Beaujolais Wines

Beaujolais Wines Made with Gamay

Beaujolais is a red wine region, with Gamay representing over 98% of the area’s grape plantings. Beaujolais winemakers work with a single varietal, and Gamay is the king of this vineyard. On the Beaujolais terroir, Gamay reveals its best potential.

Gamay produces wines with a beautiful ruby color. On the nose, it offers fruity aromas of strawberry, cherry, and redcurrant. On the palate, Gamay wines are smooth and light, with a pleasant freshness and a juicy character. The Beaujolais crus show more intensity and are more tannic, offering a true aromatic complexity and significant aging potential, especially for appellations like Moulin-à-Vent or Morgon.

Beaujolais Wines Made with Chardonnay

Chardonnay, a white grape variety, is cultivated in Beaujolais, producing excellent dry white wines with floral aromas. Depending on the terroir, Chardonnay can produce lively and mineral wines with notes of citrus and white flowers.

Food and Wine Pairings: Beaujolais Wines

Beaujolais Wines with Starters

Beaujolais wines are ideal for pairing with appetizers. You can enjoy a white wine from a Beaujolais Villages AOP estate with a casual aperitif or a raw vegetable starter. A seafood platter also pairs wonderfully with a bottle of Chardonnay from a Beaujolais château. Additionally, you can serve a red Beaujolais wine with a charcuterie board. Fruity and light, red Beaujolais wines, such as Brouilly, are excellent choices for appetizers.

Beaujolais Wines with Main Courses

Beaujolais red wines are highly appreciated in the small bouchons (traditional eateries) of Lyon. They enhance dishes made with offal, like tripe or tête de veau (calf's head). With their fruity aromas and smoothness, they are perfect with red meat dishes, such as grilled meats or pot-au-feu. You can choose a bottle of Brouilly, Morgon, or an AOC Fleurie wine.

Grilled dishes can also be enjoyed with a Beaujolais château cru, such as an AOC Moulin-à-Vent or an AOC Morgon. Sun-kissed dishes like paella or stone-grilled meats pair beautifully with a red wine from a Beaujolais estate. Saint-Amour, Chénas, or Fleurie are excellent choices for such home-cooked recipes.

Beaujolais Wines with Desserts

If you’re serving a cheese board, consider pairing it with a glass of white wine from a Beaujolais château. Chardonnay wines are a delightful match for hard cheeses, blue cheeses, or soft cheeses. If you prefer red wine with cheese, an AOP Beaujolais Villages cuvée is also an option. With very low tannins and a fruity profile, Beaujolais reds pair well with cheese, providing a balanced experience.

Ranging from fruity reds to complex, age-worthy wines, Beaujolais wines are diverse and full of surprises. At Avenue des Vins, discover our selection of Beaujolais wines, including AOP Beaujolais Villages and Beaujolais crus, perfect for sharing with friends. All our wines are carefully selected and sourced directly from the best estates and vineyards in the region. Enjoy home delivery to explore the best wines from Beaujolais and beyond, with our selection of Burgundy, Rhône Valley, Loire, and Mâconnais wines, including whites, rosés, reds, and organic wines. All wines are available by the bottle or case.