The wines of Beaujolais are normally light bodied and fruity with the main grape of the region being Gamay. In fact, of the 35,000 hectares of Gamay grown in the world 22,000 of them come from this part of ‘Greater Burgundy.’ Utterly drinkable stuff but Beaujolais like this needs to be drunk young and shows a lovely colour of raspberry as well as being imbued with aromas of violets and smoky red fruits. It’s fresh and silky and goes down far too easily.
From the Winery
"A truly convivial wine. Owing to the careful blending of various terroirs, the result is a wine of great charm. It has a lovely raspberry colour and a brilliant hue. The nose is both refined and intense, with notes of violet, peony and red fruit syrup. As you drink it, it feels fresh and silky. Both freshness and fruit remain for quite a long time on the palate".
The Beaujolais area, although part of greater Burgundy, is very distinct on many accounts. The villages have a different look : instead of slate, the houses have roofs made of red tiles reminiscent of Provence and the Mediterranean world. The soil, too, is pink granite (and not limestone as in Côte-d`Or). This is where the Gamay grape is king. The type of pruning used in Beaujolais is called "gobelet" : no wires between the vines ; each plant grows by itself, independently from the others. Maison Joseph Drouhin has always been deeply involved with the Beaujolais region and was indeed a pioneer when, in the early fifties, they were the first to bottle and ship Beaujolais Nouveau. As for Beaujolais Villages, it is a careful selection of various "terroirs" and micro-climates, all contributing to make this wine synonymous with charm and conviviality.
Don't Pay: $28.00
WBW Rating: 92/100
Closure: Cork
Region: Beaujolais, France
Winemaker: Joseph Drouhin
Drink now until: 2018
Alc/Vol: 13.5 %
