Beaujolais Wine Region
Mont Brouilly encircled by vineyards
The Beaujolais Hierarchy
In Beaujolais, the hierarchy of vineyards is divided into 3 primary levels, each producing wines of varying styles, quality, and characteristics:
- Beaujolais
- Beaujolais Villages
- Beaujolais Crus
The classification system helps consumers understand the distinctions between different Beaujolais wines and how they vary in terms of complexity, aging potential, and regional expression.
AOC Beaujolais
AOC Beaujolais represents the most basic level of Beaujolais wines. This regional appellation covers all 72 communes of Beaujolais.
The wines, made from Gamay grapes,are typically light, fruity, fresh, meant for immediate consumption. Beaujolais Nouveau, the famous "young wine" that is released just weeks after harvest, falls under this category.
Beaujolais Villages
Beaujolais Villages appellation is located in the northern part of Beaujolais and includes 38 villages. The steep vineyards, facing east-south-east between 200 and 500 metres in altitude, surround the 10 Beaujolais crus.
This appelation is for wines made from grapes in a more restricted area. The wines are generally more structured and complex than regular Beaujolais AOC wines. They tend to have deeper fruit flavors, more body, and better aging potential, though still generally intended to be drunk young. Some may undergo carbonic maceration, which enhances their fruity and floral character.
Beaujolais Crus
Beaujolais Cru is the highest level in the hierarchy. It consists of 10 crus located in the northernmost, hilly region of Beaujolais.
Cru Beaujolais represents the top quality in Beaujolais. Each cru has its own style based on terroir, ranging from light and floral to deep, structured, and age-worthy wines. These are the wines that showcase the potential of the Gamay grape at its finest, often with more complexity, aging potential, and terroir-driven character.
The Beaujolais Wine Region
Beaujolais is one of the oldest wine regions in the world, producing expertly crafted wines for over 2,000 years.
The region produces mostly light red wines which are refreshing alternatives to heavy reds.
Black Grapes
97% Gamay |
White Grapes
3% Chardonnay |
Red Wines
|
White Wines
|
Soil
Schist, Clay and Sandstone |
Climate
Semi-continental |
Beaujolais Crus
From north to south the 10 Beaujolais crus are:
| Cru | Style |
|---|---|
| Saint-Amour | Typically soft, fruity, and approachable wines |
| Juliénas | Spicier, with earthy, full-bodied wines |
| Chénas | Less common, but can produce deeply structured wines with aging potential |
| Moulin-à-Vent | Known for powerful, structured wines that age well |
| Fleurie | More delicate and aromatic, often with floral notes and lighter body |
| Chiroubles | Light, fresh, and aromatic |
| Morgon | Full-bodied wines that can age for years, developing earthy stone fruit characteristics. |
| Régnié | Balanced with a fruit-forward character |
| Brouilly | The largest cru, producing easy-drinking, fruity wines |
| Côte de Brouilly | More structured and mineral-driven than regular Brouilly |