Table of Contents
Wine 101- The Fascinating Beaujolais
Explore the enchanting world of Beaujolais, nestled in the embrace of Burgundy, as we uncover the secrets of its diverse crus, the art of carbonic maceration, and the perfect French pairings.
Beaujolais in the Shadows
- Beaujolais, often overshadowed by Bordeaux and Burgundy, is situated at the southern end of Burgundy.
- The region boasts producing over three-quarters of the world’s Gamay, transcending its reputation for Beaujolais Nouveau to offer high-quality yet affordable red wines.
Beaujolais in 60 Seconds
- Located in eastern France, Beaujolais comprises 10 crus and 38 villages.
- Gamay, native to Burgundy, takes center stage in Beaujolais, creating light-bodied, fruit-forward wines.
- While most Beaujolais is for early consumption, some varieties can age gracefully for several years.
Where is Beaujolais Located?
- Administeratively part of Burgundy, Beaujolais gained independent AOC status in 1938.
- The region’s slightly warmer climate than northern Burgundy contributes to its unique wine identity.
Different Types of Beaujolais
- Beaujolais Nouveau:
- Bottled a few weeks after harvest, Beaujolais Nouveau is celebrated globally on the third Thursday of November.
- Recognizable by its low tannin content, high acidity, and unique banana or candied fruit aroma.
- Beaujolais AOC:
- Basic level of Beaujolais with light-bodied, lively, and exuberant fresh fruit flavors.
- Beaujolais Villages AOC:
- Wines from 38 designated villages, offering smooth and balanced red, white, or rosé varieties.
- Producers can add the village name to the label for specific communes.
- Cru Beaujolais:
- Ten crus provide wines with distinct character and history, accounting for 15% of the region’s production.
- Cru categories range from light and perfumed to elegant and medium-bodied, to rich and full-bodied expressions.
The Art of Carbonic Maceration
- A winemaking technique extracting color with minimal tannins, prominent in thin-skinned red varieties like Gamay.
- Two types: Carbonic Maceration and Semi-Carbonic Maceration, each contributing to fresh, fruity wines with a silky texture.
Beaujolais Food Pairings
- Perfect with French classics like Brie or Camembert, rich pâté, grain salads, white fish, or a barbecue burger.
- Beaujolais‘ low tannin content allows for versatile pairings, making it an ideal choice for various culinary experiences.
10 Facts about Beaujolais
- Beaujolais, overshadowed by Bordeaux and Burgundy, is renowned for its Gamay production.
- Beaujolais, situated at Burgundy’s southern end, offers high-quality yet affordable red wines.
- The region comprises 10 crus, 38 villages, and is famous for its diverse Beaujolais Nouveau.
- Administeratively part of Burgundy, Beaujolais gained independent AOC status in 1938.
- Beaujolais’ unique wine identity is shaped by its slightly warmer climate than northern Burgundy.
- Beaujolais Nouveau, bottled shortly after harvest, celebrates a global release on the third Thursday of November.
- Beaujolais AOC offers light-bodied wines with lively, fresh fruit flavors.
- Beaujolais Villages AOC includes 38 villages, producing smooth and balanced red, white, or rosé varieties.
- Cru Beaujolais, accounting for 15% of production, ranges from light and perfumed to rich and full-bodied expressions.
- Carbonic Maceration, a key winemaking technique, extracts color with minimal tannins, shaping Beaujolais‘ fruity profile.
Since you made it here…Interesting Wines to try
2019 Bouchaine Hyde Vineyard Merlot Carneros – Napa Valley
- The legendary Hyde Vineyard unveils a brilliantly structured Merlot
- Ripe tannins dominate, yet irresistibly approachable in its early evolution
- Sarsaparilla, cola spice, and cigar humidor dance with black licorice
- Layers of plum sauce, blackberries, cassis, and black raspberries unfold
- Scrubby herbs emerge with perky acidity, keeping the experience lively
- Immerse yourself in the world of wine with Hyde Vineyard’s masterpiece
- Elevate your tasting experience with this captivating Merlot
2019 Chappellet Merlot Napa Valley
- Inky richness, bursting with toasty cacao, espresso, and grilled vanilla
- Silky mouthfeel framed by sweet, integrating tannins
- Spiced plums, cassis, and bright acidity lingering through a blueberry-kissed finish
2019 Cuvaison Arcilla Merlot Los Carneros – Napa Valley
- Pure evocation of strawberries with evolving tea-like tannins
- Flavors of blackberry, black raspberry, and smashed blueberry
- Notably savory with hints of carob, mineral, black licorice, and plum sauce layers
2019 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot Napa Valley
- A beautiful expression with sweet tannins and well-integrated oak spicing
- Hoisin sauce, cassis, violets, and candied orange peels
- Sandalwood, floral peppercorns, espresso beans, warm vanilla, and loam
2019 L’Ecole No. 41 Merlot Walla Walla Valley, Washington
- Estate-grown brilliance structured for mid-term aging
- Ripe red berry fruit and cherries finding counterpoints in dusty tannins and carob
- Minerality pulsing through each sip, delivering a brilliant wine experience
2019 La Jota Vineyard Co. Howell Mountain Estate MerlotNapa Valley
- A classic effort from winemaker Chris Carpenter with astounding mountain-grown grapes
- Age-worthy tannins allowing notes of licorice, granite, cacao nibs, and well-steeped tea to shine
- Cardamom and violets lingering through the long, elegant finish
2020 Macari Vineyards Merlot North Fork of Long Island
- A spicy and fascinating expression, dominated by crushed peppercorns
- Remarkably translucent, revealing red cherries, raspberries, and toasted fennel seeds with oak spice
2018 Meeker Winemakers’ Handprint Collection Merlot Sonoma County
- Lifted and well-delineated, expressive of black raspberries, ripe cherries, and goji berries
- Loamy earthiness, sarsaparilla-dusted tannins, and a bay-leaf note creating an intriguing wine experience
- Elegant yet powerful, structured for cellaring or enjoying now with grilled meat
2019 Mt. Brave Merlot Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley
- Toasty, rich, and brooding, a wine rewarding patience
- Notes of blackberry liqueur, kirsch, cassis, purple plums, and cardamom promising complexity
- Impressive balance and structure with graphite-like tannins and singed laurel nuances
2019 Northstar Premier Merlot Columbia Valley, Washington
- Velvety texture, ripe with a counterbalancing punch of acidity
- Crushed blackberries and mulberries, vanilla, clove, and toasty oak through the finish
- A stellar example of what the wine variety does best in the Columbia Valley
2019 PlumpJack Estate Winery Merlot Napa Valley
- A toasty, modern, crowd-pleasing beauty with rich, chocolatey notes
- Plums, blackberries, and cassis lifted by candied violets
- Aging potential of five to seven years, but delightful fruitiness makes it enjoyable now
2019 Ridge Vineyards Estate Merlot Santa Cruz Mountains
- Shining with the character of the venerable Monte Bello Vineyard
- Cedar, incense, brambly berries, elegant balance, and beautifully calibrated acidity
- Promising another ten to fifteen years of life ahead
2019 Rutherford Hill Winery Merlot Napa Valley
- Silky and herbaceous, less fruit-forward than typical Napa Merlot
- Layers of black and red raspberries, cherries, and chocolate with lively mineral finish
- A solid value delivering a unique wine experience for less than $30
- Estate-grown Merlot marked by toasty oak, cafe mocha notes, and woodsy spices
- Silky tannins, density, and underlying pulse of minerality providing real energy
- A captivating wine experience with impressive aging potential
2020 Seven Hills Winery Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Walla Walla Valley, Washington
- Fruit-forward Merlot from a vineyard planted in the early-1980s
- Underlying bergamot note with nuances of sage, oregano, and cracked peppercorns
- Sweet tannins lingering through flavors of red and purple plums and huckleberries
2018 St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery Rutherford Estate Vineyards MerlotNapa Valley
- Rich, chocolatey aromas of hoisin sauce and spiced blackberry liqueur
- Balanced acidity with minerality, hint of dried herbs, and fantastic kirsch finish
2019 Vérité La Muse
- One of the most intriguing and appealing new-release Merlots
- A balance of perfume and depth with red currants, raspberries, cherries, plums, graphite, and hints of tobacco and sandalwood
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