Beaujolais

The Beaujolais appellation d'origine contrôlée is a regional appellation recognized since 1937. Its vineyards cover some 8,900 hectares, divided into two distinct geographical areas, the southern part of the Beaujolais vineyard surrounding Le Bois d'Oingt, which extends to the north, towards Villefranche, by a ribbon skirting the Saône as far as La Chapelle-de-Guinchay. In all, 72 communes produce Beaujolais.

In the southern part of the Beaujolais vineyards, the soils are clay-limestone, dating from the secondary era. Further north, the soils are made up of alluvial deposits from the Tertiary and Quaternary eras. The only grape variety used is, of course, Gamay noir à jus blanc.

Beaujolais Nouveau is the primeur wine produced in the Beaujolais or Beaujolais-Villages AOC region, authorized for sale immediately after vinification. It goes on sale worldwide on the third Thursday in November. Beaujolais Nouveau is not a wine for laying down. These wines are generally short-lived, lasting around 6 months.

After the primeurs, Beaujolais wines wait for spring to deliver their fruity flavors and freshness, ideal for celebrating the return of fine weather. You can then count on the quality of wines guaranteed by such houses as Domaine des Terres Dorées, Domaine du Vissoux, Maison Coquard and the unmissable Château des Jacques.

Finally, the Beaujolais-Villages appellation d'origine contrôlée is a regional appellation recognized since 1950. It was the first appellation in France to use the term "villages". Its vineyards cover some 6,200 hectares, and represent the 38 communes that are entitled to the Beaujolais-Villages appellation thanks to the specificity of their terroir.