Chapter 16 - Beaujolais

Question 1

Grape growing in Beaujolais

Answer 1

• Focus on red wines (but rose/whites) exist
• Climate similar to southern Mâconnais, ideally suited for Gamay
• Gamay can produce large yields, hence best quality in granite soils with low nutrients
• Vines are pruned, training of vines
• Fragrant wines with aromas of raspberry and cherry fruit, not more than medium tannins and body
• Lightest styles to be served chilled

Question 2

Appellations in Beaujolais

Answer 2

• Lowest end: village appellation Beaujolais: carbonic maceration
• Beaujolais Noveau: early drinking wine, release third Tuesday in November, cannot be sold after 31 August of following year (not as cru quality)
• 10 crus in Beaujolais
• Light body and tannin, red berry fruit, notes of banana, kirsch and cinnamon-like spice
• 39 village applications
• 10 crus incl. Brouilly, Morgon, Fleurie, Moulin-à-Vent. Morgon/Moulin-à-Vent most structured wines. Often maturation in oak vats, but no longer periods in oak barrels