Moulin-a-Vent is arguably the most remarkable of the ten Beaujolais crus, located in the far North of the Beaujolais region. Moulin-a-Vent wines, made from the Gamay Grape, are known to be among the most concentrated and Tannic of the Beaujolais, a far cry from the light and simple wines of Beaujolais Nouveau. Floral">floral and Fruity in their youth, these wines often develop Spicy and earthy characteristics as they age. The Moulin-a-Vent Vineyards stretch across the Rhône and Saône et Loire departments, on the west bank of the Saône.
The appellation borders Fleurie to the South, and the Chenas vineyard Lies directly to the north. In fact, the official boundaries of Moulin-a-Vent cover the land of the administrative commune of Chenas, and the vineyards surrounding the town of Chenas itself fall under the Moulin-a-Vent appellation. The most striking feature of the terroir is the pink granite soil with veins of manganese running through it. This mineral - not found in any other Beaujolais crus - is toxic to the vines and retards the growth of the leafy vegetation and grape bunches.
