If you’re a newcomer to these treasures, we look forward to introducing you to them. If you’re a connoisseur, we hope you’ll learn something new and share your passion with us! Located north of Lyon in eastern France, Beaujolais overlaps Burgundy in the north and Rhône in the south. The picturesque Beaujolais vineyards run along the Saône River, where winemakers have crafted deliciously light and fruity wines since the days of Ancient Rome. The spirited wines of Beaujolais are born of handpicked grapes that are vatted whole, using winemaking methods unique to the region. While Beaujolais does produce a small amount of whites and rosés, the region is best known for its versatile reds. Lighter in body than most, Beaujolais reds taste great when chilled, making them as popular in the warmer months as they are during the winter. There are 12 different Beaujolais appellations, 10 of which are known as Crus. The 10 Crus are the region’s most celebrated wines, and each is unique thanks to its terroir (combination of soil, vine and climate characteristics). Over mainly granite terrain, the Beaujolais Crus form a meandering path. From south to north, Brouilly is followed by Côte de Brouilly, Régnié, Morgon, Chiroubles, Fleurie, Moulin-à-Vent, Chénas, Juliénas and Saint-Amour. The region has ideal growing conditions. It receives lots of sunshine and has granite-based soils that lend excellent structure to the wines. The Gamay grape is used to make all Beaujolais wines with the exception of white Beaujolais, or Beaujolais blanc, which is made of Chardonnay grapes.
