Words by Helen Truszkowski
Discover the Beauty of Beaujolais: A Vintage Experience in France’s Burgundy Wine Region
Nestled just south of Burgundy, Beaujolais is a hidden gem that offers an intoxicating blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and exquisite wines. Join me on a journey as we unravel the secrets of this enchanting region, where the Gamay grape reigns supreme and vintage experiences await.
The Magic of Beaujolais Unveiled
As we ventured into the heart of Beaujolais in a vintage Land Rover Defender, Amelie, my delightful guide from Insiders, made it clear: this was to be no ordinary tour. "Voila ‘wine nirvana’!", she exclaimed, as we zipped past sprawling vineyards adorned with gnarled vines and fragrant olive trees. The air, rich with the aroma of lavender and thyme, was almost intoxicating.
Upon arriving in Lantignié, a quaint commune, the early morning light cast a golden hue over the ochre-stone houses. Tucked among rolling hills, the scene felt almost surreal, like something out of a painter’s dream.
A Historic Legacy: The Rise and Fall of Beaujolais
For centuries, this region was celebrated for its vibrant red wines crafted exclusively from the Gamay grape. In the 1980s, a groundbreaking marketing campaign propelled Beaujolais Nouveau to fame, celebrating the end of grape harvests with a unique fermentation technique called carbonic maceration. Whole grapes are sealed in a tank with carbon dioxide, allowing fermentation to occur naturally. But while this method can produce delightful wines, it can also yield erratic flavors.
Beaujolais Nouveau peaked in popularity, with Georges Duboeuf’s wines topping charts in the U.S., selling 1.185 million nine-litre cases at the height of its fame. However, shifting consumer preferences toward bolder wines led to a decline in sales and a wave of snobbery against these once-celebrated wines. The vineyards began to wither, and the world’s esteem for age-worthy Beaujolais diminished.
A Renaissance in Winemaking
Fortunately, a new generation of passionate growers, like Frédéric Berne and Cyril Alonso, is breathing fresh life into Beaujolais. They are dedicated to rejuvenating the region’s storied winemaking culture.
Beaujolais-Villages wines exclusively rely on Gamay grapes from the northern part of the region, specifically from 38 permitted villages. Within these, Beaujolais Cru wines are crafted in just ten specific locales renowned for their granitic soils.
Frédéric Berne: A Love for the Land
Raised in a farming family, Frédéric Berne has an instinctive connection to the land. Following his apprenticeship in southern Burgundy, he established his eponymous winery in 2014. Today, he cultivates over 13 acres of certified organic vines across several distinctive regions, including Morgon and Chiroubles.
By adhering to agroecological principles, Frédéric prioritizes sustainability and ecological diversity—key tenets of the modern Beaujolais ethos. Each grape, meticulously hand-harvested, is treated with minimal intervention to ensure the wine reflects its terroir.
A Tasting Experience Like No Other
After touring Berne’s expansive vineyards and cellars, we were treated to an exquisite tasting experience led by team member Antoine Dupan. The wines were nothing short of magical; they pulsated with the vibrant energy of the region.
Notable among them was the Lantignié ‘Granit Rose’, crafted from grapes grown in pink granite soils, delivering an exhilarating red fruit character and elegant tannins. Equally enchanting was the Lantignié ‘Pierre Bleue’, known for its floral notes and lively cherry aromas.
Cyril Alonso: Embracing Tradition
Next, we visited Cyril Alonso at his Domaine de La Tribu Alonso, nestled in a protected forest. This small vineyard embraces organic viticulture, focusing on minimal intervention and using indigenous yeasts. The wines here echo the playful, yet earthy character of their surroundings.
With a vast palette of Gamay varieties, the resulting La Tribu Alonso wines are a testament to natural winemaking. Every bottle captures the essence of its environment, filled with flavors like raspberry, peach, and zesty orange.
Sipping into the Future of Beaujolais
What’s clear from our journey is that today’s Beaujolais winemakers are committed to crafting extraordinarily pure wines. Their dedication is reflected in every sip, as they challenge the misconceptions surrounding the region. With deeper colors and more fragrant aromas, Beaujolais wines are evolving, showcasing an elegance and purity that pays homage to tradition while embracing innovation.
Conclusion: Why Visit Beaujolais?
Beaujolais isn’t just about wine; it’s an immersive experience that enchants at every turn. From breathtaking landscapes to intimate vineyard tours led by passionate locals, this region is a treasure trove waiting to be explored.
Factbox
Frédéric Berne, Domaine Viticole
Address: 150 Chem. des Vergers, 69430 Lantignié, France.- Karine & Cyril Alonso, La Tribu Alonso
Address: 210, impasse de la Rivière, 69340 Marchampt, France.
Discover unique local tours with Insiders, specializing in tailor-made immersive adventures that blend sightseeing with authentic local experiences.
My unforgettable tour began at 400 euros for a half-day experience for one to three people—a small price to pay for a day in wine paradise.
