Beaujolais Class

Question 0

CÔTE DE BROUILLY, CHAVANNES, CUVÉE DES AMBASSADES, 2011, BEAUJOLAIS, FRANCE -65

Answer 0

CÔTE DE BROUILLY, CHAVANNES, CUVÉE DES AMBASSADES, 2011, BEAUJOLAIS, FRANCE -65
100% Gamay. The soil here is a special blue granite which is laced with volcanic and unique mineral deposits. The wines here, as a result tend to be highly scented and finely concentrated. The Ambassades is their top wine, which comes from their best land. Yvonne & Claude are a married couple who make the wine with very little extraction (extraction=modern/polished style).Tasting note: Light bodied, high toned strawberry fruit, metallic softness and high acid.

Question 1

CÔTE DE BROUILLY, CHAVANNES, CUVÉE DES AMBASSADES, 2011, BEAUJOLAIS, FRANCE -65

Answer 1

CÔTE DE BROUILLY, CHAVANNES, CUVÉE DES AMBASSADES, 2011, BEAUJOLAIS, FRANCE -65
100% Gamay. The soil here is a special blue granite which is laced with volcanic and unique mineral deposits. The wines here, as a result tend to be highly scented and finely concentrated. The Ambassades is their top wine, which comes from their best land. Yvonne & Claude are a married couple who make the wine with very little extraction (extraction=modern/polished style).Tasting note: Light bodied, high toned strawberry fruit, metallic softness and high acid.

Question 2

FLEURIE, JULIEN SUNIER 2012, BEAUJOLAIS, FRANCE 75

Answer 2

FLEURIE, JULIEN SUNIER 2012, BEAUJOLAIS, FRANCE 75
100% Gamay. Fleurie known as the cru in Beaujolais that has a floral character. Aged for up to 11 months in 3 - 9 year old Burgundy barrels so the charming fruit and granitic soil flavors aren’t lost. Tasting note Light and fresh with notes of red currants and flowers. A lively mineral finish with supple tannins.

Question 3

MORGON, LAPIERRE, 2012, BEAUJOLAIS, FRANCE 80

Answer 3

MORGON, LAPIERRE, 2012, BEAUJOLAIS, FRANCE 80
100% Gamay. Marcel Lapierre was one of the pioneering winemakers in the Beaujolais region. He championed the reputation of Beaujolais into a more serious wine making region. He passed away last year and this is his son’s first cuvee. Morgon is one of the 10 Crus in Beaujolais that has been recognized as superior because of it’s particular terroir. The soil is here rockier which produces fuller bodied Gamay’s. Old oak large cask is used. Tasting note: light bodied with tart berry fruit, hint of orange peel. Fresh & lively acid with soft tannins.

Question 4

CHIROUBLES, CRET DE RUYERE, CUVÉE DES ANGES, 2005, BEAUJOLAIS, FRANCE -70

Answer 4

CHIROUBLES, CRET DE RUYERE, CUVÉE DES ANGES, 2005, BEAUJOLAIS, FRANCE -70
100% Gamay. From the Chiroubles Cru in Beaujolais with the highest altitudes. This cru is known for its lighter styles and delicate aromas of violets. 30-60 year old vines and all organic/hand harvested. Aged on the lees and in used barrique for 18 months. Granite soils which compose most of the Beaujolais region. Beaujolais is always 100% Gamay by law.
Tasting note: Light bodied with forest notes, preserves, touch of spice and earth.

Question 5

MOULIN-A-VENT, VISSOUX, TROIS ROCHES, 2011, BEAUJOLAIS, FRANCE -79

Answer 5

MOULIN-A-VENT, VISSOUX, TROIS ROCHES, 2011, BEAUJOLAIS, FRANCE -79
100% Gamay. Trois Roches refers to the “Three Rocks” that are made up in the soil. Black/Red & Blue Clay volcanic rocks. (Same rocks that are in the famous Cote de Py vineyard in Morgon). Moulin-A-Vent is one of the 10 Crus in Burgundy. Moulin is known for being the fuller, darker and more structured one due to the soil content. This is an age-worthy Beaujolais.
Tasting note: Medium bodied with deep darker fruit for a Beaujolais. Blueberry, floral, & crushed stone on the palate.

Question 6

SAINT AMOUR, DOMAINE DES BILLARDS, 2010, BEAUJOLAIS, FRANCE -57

Answer 6

SAINT AMOUR, DOMAINE DES BILLARDS, 2010, BEAUJOLAIS, FRANCE -57
100% Gamay. Saint Amour is the Cru (one of the 10) known for it’s more spicy flavors and sweet fruit. in Beaujolais. 2009 was a ripe vintage in Beaujolais, which resulted in fuller bodied, more extracted reds. This vintage helped get Beaujolais back on the map and prevalent in the U.S. Market. This is due to it’s fruit forward appeal. Traditional wine making in cement and old wood.
Tasting note: black cherries, hint of cassis, smoke and ripe tannins and tangy acidity.