The Bold and the Beaujolais...

The Beaujolais wine region is situated in east central France just south of Burgundy and north of the Rhone Valley. Technically a part of Burgundy where the esteemed vineyards of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grow, but the story of Beaujolais is dominated by the grape varietal Gamay (or more accurately Gamay Noir a Jus Blanc).

Of the 50,000 acres of vineyards in Beaujolais, 95% of them are planted with Gamay. The Gamay grape is known for being low in tannins with a thin skin resulting in a light red wine that can be drunk young. Vintners can also create a stunning wine full of depth and character when made in the traditional manner of wines of distinction. Growing Gamay in the granite soils of Beaujolais gives the wine tastes of red fruit, raspberry, spice, and deep floral notes. If crafted carefully, substantial character and rich structure can be derived from these grapes, producing bottles capable of aging and similar in nature to the more difficult to grow neighbor Pinot Noir to the north.

Grapes are believed to have been first planted in Beaujolais in the first century BC by the Romans, and there is still evidence of Roman influence in the regions of Brouilly and Morgon. Over time the vineyards transferred hands, sometimes by force, with the conquerors continuing to tend the vines. By the 10th century Beaujeu had been declared the capital and was ruled by Dukes until it was ceded to Bourbonnais in 1400. Here starts the sordid history which separates Beaujolais from the rest of the geographical region of Burgundy, and where the Gamay grape takes center stage.

Phillippe's bold decree was motivated by the fact that Burgundy and Beaujolais were well known for its Pinot Noir, which was valued not only for its monetary return but also as a bargaining chip in diplomatic negotiations. While Gamay is much easier to grow and lined the pockets of those vintners who grew it, it did not provide Phillippe with the return on investment he was after. The decree hindered but did not stop plantings of the grape, as sixty years later his successor Philippe the Good had to make a similar decree for similar reasons. As time passed Gamay was reinstated in the vineyards of Beaujolais, leading to another more recent chapter in Gamay's existence, Beaujolais Noveau.

To understand Beaujolais Nouveau, one must start with the law. The first legislation on wine originated with the appellation d' origine controlee (AOC) in 1901, and Beaujolais was declared its own wine region in 1936. With such designation comes rules about when and how much of that year's wine could be released. After World War II, the law was ratified allowing Beaujolais producers to release more wine earlier to lift the spirits of the citizens.

This earlier release was eventually determined to be on the third Thursday of November allowing consumption of the wines just weeks after they were made (hence "Nouveau"). Soon enthusiasts were literally racing to get Beaujolais Nouveau causing a spike in demand, and the release became a national event. Word spread around the world and Beaujolais Nouveau was shipped globally to be enjoyed on the third Thursday of November. By the 1980's demand had far surpassed supply, and other producers jumped on the bandwagon. The unfortunate result was a flooding of the market with low quality wine. The markets in turn reacted, turning their backs on Beaujolais Nouveau, leaving Beaujolais with a somewhat tarnished reputation.

However, to turn one's back on Beaujolais is to pass up a tremendous value. More emphasis has been placed on the unique terrior, mostly granite soils in which Gamay thrives. Wine enthusiasts especially love the ten Beaujolais Cru (St.-Amour, Juliénas, Chénas, Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie, Chiroubles, Morgon, Régnié, Côte-de-Brouilly, and Brouilly).

Beaujolais has so much to offer. Wines that over deliver for the price.