Exploring the Delicious World of Beaujolais Wine

By David Gadd | Published on 2022-07-16

Welcome to the delicious world of Beaujolais wine! This French wine region is known for its light, fruity reds and whites, and is a favorite among wine lovers around the world. In this article, we'll explore the Beaujolais wine region, the best Beaujolais wines of 2015 and 2018, Victor Sornin's signature Beaujolais, the characteristics of Beaujolais wine, Beaujolais grapes and AOCs, Wine Folly's guide to Beaujolais, discovering the best Beaujolais villages wines, and Nouveau Beaujolais: a celebration of Gamay. So grab a glass and let's dive into the wonderful world of Beaujolais!

A Guide to the Beaujolais Wine Region

The Beaujolais wine region is located in the south of Burgundy, France, and is known for its light, fruity red wines made from the Gamay grape. The region is divided into 12 different appellations, or AOCs, each with its own unique characteristics and style of wine. The most famous of these AOCs is the Beaujolais Villages, which is made from grapes grown in the region's best vineyards. Other AOCs include the Beaujolais Crus, which are made from grapes grown in specific villages, and the Beaujolais Nouveau, which is released each year on the third Thursday of November.

The Beaujolais region is known for its rolling hills, lush vineyards, and picturesque villages. The region is home to some of the best winemakers in the world, including Louis Jadot, Domaine du Penlois, and Vignobles Bulliat. These wineries produce some of the most sought-after Beaujolais wines, including the Beaujolais Villages, the Beaujolais Crus, and the Beaujolais Nouveau.

The climate of the Beaujolais region is ideal for growing the Gamay grape, which is known for its light, fruity flavors and aromas. The region is also known for its unique terroir, which gives the wines a distinctive character and flavor. The wines of the Beaujolais region are perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to special occasions. Whether you're looking for a light, fruity red or a more complex and structured wine, the Beaujolais region has something for everyone.

The Best Beaujolais Wines of 2015 and 2018

The Beaujolais region of France is renowned for its delicious and diverse range of wines. In 2015 and 2018, some of the best Beaujolais wines came from the villages of Louis Jadot and Domaine du Penlois. The 2015 vintage of Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages was a light and fruity red wine with aromas of raspberry, cherry, and violet. It was a great accompaniment to a variety of dishes, from grilled salmon to roasted vegetables. The 2018 vintage of Domaine du Penlois Beaujolais Villages was a full-bodied red with notes of blackberry, plum, and spice. It was a perfect pairing for hearty dishes like steak and mushrooms.

Victor Sornin's Signature Beaujolais was another standout in 2015 and 2018. This wine was produced from grapes grown in the Vignobles Bulliat vineyard, and it had a deep ruby color and aromas of blackberry and cherry. It was a medium-bodied red with a smooth finish, and it was a great match for dishes like roasted pork and grilled vegetables.

These are just a few of the many amazing Beaujolais wines that were produced in 2015 and 2018. With so many delicious options, it's no wonder that Beaujolais is one of the most popular wine regions in France.

Victor Sornin's Signature Beaujolais

Victor Sornin is a renowned winemaker from the Beaujolais region of France. His signature Beaujolais wines are renowned for their complexity and depth of flavor. Sornin's wines are made from Gamay grapes, a variety of red grape that is native to the region. The grapes are carefully selected and hand-harvested to ensure the highest quality. The wines are then aged in oak barrels for a minimum of 12 months before being bottled.

Sornin's wines are known for their intense aromas and flavors, which include notes of ripe red fruits, spices, and herbs. They are full-bodied and well-balanced, with a long finish. The wines are also known for their excellent structure and complexity, making them ideal for pairing with a variety of dishes.

Sornin's wines are highly sought after and can be found in many of the top restaurants and wine shops in France. They are also available online, making them accessible to wine lovers around the world. Whether you're looking for a special bottle to celebrate a special occasion or just to enjoy a glass of Beaujolais, Victor Sornin's wines are sure to please.

The Characteristics of Beaujolais Wine

Beaujolais wine is a light-bodied red wine made from the Gamay grape variety. It is known for its bright, fruity flavors and aromas, and its low tannin content. It is typically light-bodied, with a light color and low alcohol content. It has a distinctive flavor profile, with notes of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, as well as hints of pepper, spice, and earth. The wines are typically light and refreshing, with a slightly sweet finish.

Beaujolais wines are typically aged for a short period of time, usually no more than a year. This helps to preserve the freshness of the fruit flavors and aromas, while allowing the wine to develop some complexity. The wines are usually best enjoyed young, as they can become more tannic and acidic with age.

Beaujolais wines are best served slightly chilled, and can be enjoyed on their own or paired with food. They are particularly well-suited to lighter dishes, such as salads, fish, and poultry. They can also be enjoyed with a variety of cheeses, as well as fruit desserts.

Beaujolais Grapes and AOCs

Beaujolais wine is made from the Gamay grape, a variety that is indigenous to the region. The Gamay grape is a light-bodied, fruity wine that is usually low in tannins and has a bright, juicy flavor. The Gamay grape is also used to make the popular Beaujolais Nouveau, a light, fruity wine that is released each year in November.

The Beaujolais region is divided into 10 AOCs (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée), each with its own unique characteristics. The AOCs are Beaujolais, Beaujolais-Villages, Brouilly, Chénas, Chiroubles, Côte de Brouilly, Fleurie, Juliénas, Morgon, and Moulin-à-Vent. Each AOC has its own set of rules and regulations regarding the production of the wine, including the type of grape used, the minimum alcohol content, and the maximum yield per hectare.

The AOCs are also divided into two categories: Beaujolais-Villages and Cru Beaujolais. The Beaujolais-Villages AOCs are the most common and are made from grapes grown in the villages of the Beaujolais region. The Cru Beaujolais AOCs are made from grapes grown in the best vineyards of the region, and the wines are more complex and age-worthy.

Wine Folly's Guide to Beaujolais

Wine Folly is an excellent resource for exploring the delicious world of Beaujolais wines. Their guide to Beaujolais provides an in-depth look at the region, its grapes, AOCs, and the best Beaujolais wines.

The guide starts off by introducing the Beaujolais region, its history, and the different styles of wines produced. It then dives into the different Beaujolais grapes, including Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. It also provides an overview of the Beaujolais AOCs and their respective characteristics.

Finally, the guide provides a comprehensive look at the best Beaujolais wines of 2015 and 2018. It covers the top producers, such as Louis Jadot, Domaine du Penlois, and Vignobles Bulliat, as well as Victor Sornin's signature Beaujolais. It also provides an overview of the best Beaujolais villages wines, including Morgon, Moulin-à-Vent, and Fleurie. The guide also covers Nouveau Beaujolais, a celebration of Gamay.

Discovering the Best Beaujolais Villages Wines

The Beaujolais region is home to some of the best wines in the world. The Beaujolais Villages wines are the most renowned, and are made from grapes grown in the ten villages of the region. These wines are known for their intense, fruity flavors and aromas, and are perfect for pairing with a variety of dishes.

The best Beaujolais Villages wines come from the top producers in the region, such as Louis Jadot, Domaine du Penlois, and Vignobles Bulliat. These producers specialize in crafting wines that are full-bodied and complex, with notes of cherry, raspberry, and blackberry. They also have a distinct minerality, which adds to their complexity and makes them a great choice for pairing with food.

When selecting a Beaujolais Villages wine, it is important to consider the vintage. The 2015 vintage was particularly successful, with many producers producing wines that were full-bodied and complex. The 2018 vintage was also successful, with producers crafting wines that were more fruit-forward and had a softer tannin structure. No matter which vintage you choose, you can be sure that you are getting a high-quality Beaujolais Villages wine.

Nouveau Beaujolais: A Celebration of Gamay

Nouveau Beaujolais is a type of Beaujolais wine that is released in the third week of November each year. This special wine is made from the Gamay grape and is known for its light, fruity flavor and vibrant color. It is a young wine, with a short fermentation period of only a few weeks, and is meant to be enjoyed soon after release.

Nouveau Beaujolais is a popular wine for celebrations, particularly in France, where it is often served at the traditional Beaujolais Nouveau celebrations that take place each year. The celebrations are an opportunity to sample the new vintage and enjoy the unique flavor of the Gamay grape. The wine is also popular in other countries, where it is often served as an aperitif or with lighter dishes.

Nouveau Beaujolais is a great way to explore the world of Beaujolais wines. It is a light, fruity wine that is easy to drink and pairs well with a variety of dishes. It is also a great way to experience the unique flavor of the Gamay grape, which is the signature grape of the Beaujolais region. Whether you are looking for a special wine for a celebration or just want to explore the delicious world of Beaujolais, Nouveau Beaujolais is a great choice.

Conclusion

Beaujolais wine is a unique and delicious experience that should not be missed. From the best Beaujolais wines of 2015 and 2018 to Victor Sornin's signature Beaujolais and the characteristics of Beaujolais wine, there is something for everyone to enjoy. With its distinct AOCs and grapes, Wine Folly's guide to Beaujolais, and the best Beaujolais villages wines, there is no shortage of flavor and variety. Finally, the celebration of Gamay with Nouveau Beaujolais is an experience that should not be missed. With so much to explore, the world of Beaujolais wine is sure to delight.