Régnié

The Régnié Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) is a municipal appellation recognized since 1988, the newest addition to the Beaujolais crus. Its vineyards cover approximately 400 hectares spread across the municipalities of Régnié and Durette.

Made from Gamay noir à jus blanc, as is the case throughout the Beaujolais region, Régnié wine is exclusively red. The vines benefit from sandy soils derived from pink granite rich in potassium feldspar. The rock, which is sometimes polyphyroid, contains a wide variety of minerals. Sand is very prevalent. Régnié is vinified using whole clusters, a method specific to the Beaujolais region. After a maceration period of 8 to 10 days—depending on the vintage and the winemaker—and an initial alcoholic fermentation, the grapes are pressed. The free-run juice and press juice are then blended, after which a second, malolactic fermentation begins to soften the Régnié wines by reducing their acidity.

The red color of Régnié wines ranges from cherry to ruby. With a subtle balance of red fruit, freshness, and structure provided by fine tannins, Régnié comes from southeast-facing vineyards. It can be enjoyed young and aged for up to 5 years. The Régnié wines from Maison Coquard, Domaine Dominique Piron, and Château de Pizay are particularly noteworthy.