Celebrate Beaujolais Wines Worth Opening
Beaujolais, just north of Lyon, is famed for its juicy, fruit-forward style and has long been a favourite with wine drinkers the world over. Here are four bottles of Beaujolais wines worth opening.
Like vineyards throughout the northern hemisphere, autumn brings the harvest. Winemakers begin the elaboration of wines and the vines start to close down until waking from their winter rest the following spring. If you would like a broader overview of the region and its styles, see our Guide to Beaujolais.
A Little History
Delving into its history, the first young wine made to celebrate the finished vintage was sipped by vignerons who then sold barrels to the bistros and cafés of Lyon and Paris. Known as vin de primeur, it was eagerly awaited and served cool from litre pitchers with hearty local cuisine.
Fast forward to the late 20th century.
In 1970, after imbibing plentiful amounts of wine over dinner, writers Clement Freud and Joseph Berkmann challenged one another to get Beaujolais Nouveau from France to London in the fastest time. The idea was picked up by Allan Hall, wine writer at The Sunday Times, who later threw down the gauntlet to “bring back the Beaujolais”.
The race quickly grew in popularity and created considerable excitement over the following years, with increasingly elaborate attempts to return with the first bottles after release day.
While the spectacle has quietened, the anticipation has not. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are still organised each November, often in support of charities.
Different Styles
But the region is about more than just Nouveau.
There are ten cru villages, permitted to make only red wine, which all produce Beaujolais wines worth opening:
- Brouilly
- Chiroubles
- Chénas
- Côte de Brouilly
- Fleurie
- Juliénas
- Moulin-à-Vent
- Morgon
- Régnié
- Saint-Amour
Alongside these sit the broader AOC Beaujolais and AOC Beaujolais-Villages appellations, which can produce red, white and rosé. From north to south the region offers a wide range of styles, textures and characters.
I have recently tasted a raft of these wines, many drinking beautifully for early autumn gatherings. Here are the Beaujolais wines worth opening right now
Famille Descombe "Pierres Dorées" Beaujolais Blanc 2022
£17.55
The Pierres Dorées, or golden stones, region of Beaujolais is a special place due to the bedrock of golden limestone (hence the name). The buildings...… read more
Out of Stock
Racy Chardonnay Beaujolais Blanc deserves recognition as a terroir-driven white of real quality. Subtle, elegant and restrained, with distinct mineral texture. A quietly impressive style that continues to gain attention. This example comes from the Pierres Dorées sub-appellation, a limestone-rich area sometimes compared to parts of Tuscany. You might easily mistake this for something from further north in the Côte d'Or.
Domaine de Mont Joly Cuvée 85.45, Beaujolais-Villages 2019
£31.50
This wine is made in very small quantities, using the best grapes, from the oldest vines (between 75 and 100 years old) in the village...… read more
Deep-coloured and commanding. This village wine from Blacé shows heady dark fruit and real structure. If you are expecting something light and simple, this is not it. Winemaker Jean Baptiste Bechvillier has created a concentrated and rich style from vines over 100 years old. Slightly earthy, with well-judged oak allowing further development. Cellar for five years and watch it evolve.
Clos du Vieux Bourg "Au Bois Retour" Chénas 2020, Beaujolais
£16.65
Chénas was the favourite wine of Louis XIII, king of France. It is the rarest of the ten Beaujolais Crus with just 240 hectares under...… read more
Chénas is the smallest cru at just 250 hectares. This wine comes from thirteenth-generation winemaker Dominique Piron at Clos du Vieux Bourg. The appellation produces red and black-fruited wines of elegance. Gloriously drinkable, this is charming and versatile through the autumn months.
Domaine Bel Avenir Juliénas "Les Capitans" 2022, Beaujolais
£17.75
The appellation of Juliénas was born on 11 March 1938, but it's history stretches back much further. It is named for Julius Ceasar who mentioned...… read more
Mineral-scented Gamay from Juliénas with a pleasing fruit and spice balance. A more classic expression of the cru and particularly good with charcuterie.
Explore More Beaujolais
If this has sparked further interest in the region, you can explore our broader selection of wines from small, sustainable producers, many family owned for generations. Browse the full range on our Beaujolais category page and find more Beaujolais wines worth opening.
