The grape varieties of Beaujolais

Beaujolais was once part of what was known as Greater Burgundy, and this is in fact still the case from a regulatory point of view for the northernmost Beaujolais crus (Juliénas, Saint-Amour, Chénas and even Moulin à Vent): in fact, all or part of the parcels eligible for these appellations are located in the Saône-et-Loire department (71), which is also covered by the southernmost appellations of traditional Burgundy (Saint-Véran, Pouilly-Fuissé, etc.). ). But which grape varieties are permitted in Beaujolais?

The grape varieties of Beaujolais Gamay Noir with white juice, for red and rosé wines

Born from a natural cross between pinot noir and gouais blanc, the gamay noir grape variety with white juice produces wines with a multifaceted fruitiness: from a “joyful fruitiness” for the Beaujolais de Fête and therefore the ‘Nouveau’, to a “complex fruitiness” for the crus du Beaujolais.

Granite soils are a priori its preferred soil, but it has the art of adapting. Historically, before phylloxera, this grape variety was widespread in France. It is estimated that it covered more than 160,000 hectares. Today, half of the 30,000 hectares of Gamay planted worldwide are in Beaujolais, where it covers 90% of the area used to produce Beaujolais (this share is tending to decline in favor of Chardonnay).

Gamay requires meticulous work. The more vines there are in a plot, the more prolific the Gamay. It must therefore be tamed to readjust the balance between quantity and quality of the grapes. Short, goblet pruning is one of the best ways to manage this grape variety, although other techniques (fan pruning, simple cordon pruning, etc.) are increasingly being used. Beaujolais winemakers have understood this, and over the years have built up unrivalled experience in harnessing the grape's natural ardor to bring out the very best.

As you can see, Gamay is the only red grape allowed in the region if you want to claim the Beaujolais, Beaujolais-Villages appellations and the ten Beaujolais crus (Saint-Amour, Juliénas, Chénas, Chiroubles, Fleurie, Moulin-à-Vent, Morgon, Regnié, Brouilly and Côte de Brouilly).

But for several years now, winegrowers have been experimenting with other grape varieties, in anticipation of global warming and to diversify the profile of red wines made on granite and bluestone soils. More and more estates have planted Syrah, Pinot Noir, Gamaret or Grenache. These grape varieties are not allowed in the Beaujolais appellations, but they can claim the IGP Comtés Rhodaniens.

Just try the syrah from Domaine de Mont Joly in Blacé or the gamaret from Famille Morin in Chiroubles to see that these grape varieties can hold their own in the Gamay region.

The grape varieties of Beaujolais Chardonnay for white wines

It is the most widely planted white grape variety in the world. In the Beaujolais region, Chardonnay reveals some of its finest expressions. It is found in the extreme north of the vineyards, on the borders of the Mâconnais and south-west of Villefranche-sur-Saône. It benefits from a triangle-shaped setting between Liergues, Bois d'Oingt and Bully. Within the Beaujolais appellations, Chardonnay now accounts for 5% to 10% of the vineyard. More and more winegrowers are producing white wines, so seductive are they to the taste buds.

Its bunches are small, white-skinned berries, rounded and golden when ripe. The diversity of the vineyard's soils enables this grape variety to express all its richness and complexity. In particular, it flourishes on marly or chalky soils. Soils of low fertility are its preferred environment. In temperate zones, such as Beaujolais, it produces supple, full-bodied wines with aromas of citrus or white fruits such as peach.

In the cellar, the Chardonnay is pressed as soon as it arrives and then ferments for two weeks in vats, barrels or tuns. Aging on lees is frequent. The white Beaujolais and Beaujolais Villages offer well-balanced wines with freshness, roundness and finesse. The white Beaujolais have a beautiful golden color and are full-bodied, with white-fleshed fruit and citrus aromas and a pleasant finish. The white Beaujolais Villages are distinguished by their floral and mineral notes, and their aromatic intensity. Some wines can be aged for several years in the cellar to express their complexity and intensity.

To name just three, try Château Thivin's Clos de Rochebonne white Beaujolais, Domaine des Marrans' white Beaujolais-Villages or Jules Desjourneys' white Beaujolais-Villages.

But as with Gamay and red wines, Chardonnay has other competitors making their presence felt in Beaujolais. Indeed, more and more winemakers have tried planting viognier, marsanne or aligoté to test their adaptation to the region. These grape varieties are also authorized for IGP Comtés Rhodaniens. One example is viognier from Domaine Striffling in Regnié.

Whether red or white, Beaujolais wines offer a varied aromatic palette and meet the modern expectations of consumers looking for fresh, fruity and accessible wines. Far from being a pejorative, this multiple asset makes the region once again sought-after for its increasingly qualitative profiles and attractive prices.