Guide to the Wines of Beaujolais
Beaujolais is sandwiched between Rhone to the south and the Côte d’Or to the north in Burgundy. Beaujolais - or ‘bojo’ if ‘glou glouing’ (ie the sound you make when the juice goes down too easily) - is made from the Gamay grape and is light, low in alcohol, and it tastes fresh, fruity and savory. It smells typically of violets and tastes of red and black berry fruit and something more savoury and gamey.
Due to its proximity to the greatest wine region on earth, Burgundy, there’s significant cross pollination, with Beaujolais becoming more serious about production and parcels, and Burgundy evolving its vineyard practices including the adoption of organic and biodynamic methods.
Quality Beaujolais sits at a beautiful mid point where the drinking is inexpensive (tho increasing), unstuffy and communal in vibe, whilst serious in terms of winemaking that respects terroirs, fruit and the environment.
Wine lovers love Beaujolais and we love Beaujolais not least because even now it represents some of the best value available when accounting for winemaking nous, terroirs and deliciousness. For the good stuff, seek out the Crus including Morgon, Fleurie, or Juliénas among others.
WHY YOU LIKE BEAUJOLAIS
• It pairs well with everything including breathing
• Because life tastes good with a glass of slightly chilled bojo in hand
IF YOU LIKE BEAUJOLAIS, YOU SHOULD ALSO TRY
• Barbera
• Pinot noir
• Red Burgundy
• Dolcetto
• Trousseau from Jura
WANT MORE?
Check out our France country guide, or our article on the most common wine varieties.