Beaujolais is the land of Gamay with the variety representing 97% of the vines planted in the region. Beaujolais and Beaujolais Villages offer enjoyable expressions of the grape, while the 10 crus (do you know them?) complete our abundant range with delicate and structured wines as well as some made for ageing.
10 Beaujolais crus to try
Beaujolais contains 10 crus (in addition to the two appellations of Beaujolais and Beaujolais Village). Each one of these crus have their own characteristics, and in this list, you will find wines that highlight off all their nuances:
- Morgon Corcelette 2021 by Mee Godard: A small jewel made by a rising star.
- Fleurie Greta Carbo 2019 by Marc Delienne: Vinified using carbonic maceration, this cuvée is made from 60-year-old wines located in the heart of the lieu-dit Les Déduits to the south-east of Fleurie.
- Moulin-à-Vent Clos de Rochegrès 2020 from Château des Jacques: A Moulin-à-Vent with very good ageing potential produced by a go-to domain in the appellation.
- Chiroubles 2020 from En hauts (Domaine Cossard x Coquelet): Created from 100-year-old vines planted at an altitude of 400m, this wine is the fruit of a collaboration between Frédéric Cossard (Domaine de Chassorney, Burgundy) and Damien Coquelet.
- Saint-Amour Les Champs-Grillés 2021 by Pierre-Marie Chermette: A microclimat facing south-south-east, Les Champs Grillés is one of the most exceptional plots in the Beaujolais appellation of Saint-Amour.
- Brouilly Vieilles Vignes 2020 by Georges Descombes: A Brouilly crafted from old vines which possesses incredibly silky tannins, a lively body and beautiful fruity flavours. Absolutely delicious!
- Côte-de-Brouilly La Chapelle 2021 from Château Thivin: La Chapelle comes from a plot situated high on the Brouilly hill, which is known for its arid soil with steep slopes.
- Juliénas 2019 from La Sœur Cadette: This Burgundy domain also crafts a Beaujolais cru. A recent discovery!
- Régnié Agath the blues (2020 or 2021) from Bonne Tonne: Created from 2.4 hectares of vines that were recently acquired by the domain, this natural Régnié mixes delicious red fruits with spices.
- Chénas 2016 by Philippe Pacalet: A Chénas vinified without sulphur, rich and fruity, but unfortunately only made in small quantities (barely 1,200 bottles…)
Iconic natural domains
For many years, these two natural domains natures have been known for their high-quality production as well as their consistency. They really are icons of Beaujolais!
- Marcel Lapierre: This is the go-to domain for fine natural wine from Beaujolais. Certified organic and employing biodynamic principles for nearly 40 years, the vineyard is managed in the purest traditional way, while the wine is made according to natural practices, or as natural as possible. What is more, the wines possess an incredible charm and crisp fruit as well as being delicious, fresh and ethereal. If you open them now, you are guaranteed to enjoy them or you can leave them to age for a few years, especially the Morgons which age gracefully!
- Jean Foillard: A real favourite of iDealwine, Jean Foillard is a symbolic figure in the natural wine movement. This winemaker quickly worked out how to magnify the terroirs of Morgon and Côte du Py in his wines that are smooth and silky as well as being concentrated and made for ageing. A must-have winemaker that is one of the most sought-after in the region.
