Vine Expectations - A Case For Beaujolais

With Burgundy and Rhone wine prices soaring, it’s time to revisit the allure of Beaujolais and its elevated crus.

- Nimmi Malhotra

MEE GODARD COTE DU PY 2019

Grapes: Gamay Taste: Cote du Puy is a climat in Morgon composed of schist. Low yields, partially destemmed; maceration for three weeks and aged 12-18 months in old oak barrels or vats. Expressive and elegant nose of red fruit strawberry, cherry, raspberries alike; silky fine tannins and deftly handled oak. $58, WEA wines

FAMILLE DUTRAIVE, FLEURIE LIEU DIT LES DEDUITS

Grapes: Gamay Taste: Famille Dutraive comprises the legendary Jean-Louis Dutraive and his three children. The fruits sourced from old vines are grown organically. Vinification in cement with carbonic maceration. Aged in oak for six months. Floral, summer strawberry bubble gum on the nose and crunchy berries on the palate. A smashable summer wine. $70, Artisan Cellars

CHATEAU DU MOULIN-À-VENT LES VERILLATS 2018

Grapes: Gamay Taste: This Cru Beaujolais comes from a lieu-dit: les Verillats, that sits at the top of the appellation on sandy, granitic soils. Vinified in the Burgundian method and aged in 30% French oak and 70% steel. Red and blueberries mingled with oak spices, minerals with some signs of maturity. It’s earthy and savoury with developing meaty flavours. $58, Grand Vin

“Beaujolais has a complicated story despite its extraordinary terroir,” says Pascaline Lepeltier, the Laureate of Un des Meilleur Sommelier de France, and an advocate for the region.