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.
Cabernet Franc is one of the oldest red grape varieties in Bordeaux. The Libourne region is its terroir where it develops best. The terroirs of Saint-Emilion and Fronsac allow it to mature and develop its best range of aromas. It is also the majority in many blends. The very famous Château Cheval Blanc, for example, uses 60% Cabernet Franc. The wines produced with Cabernet Franc are medium in colour with fine tannins and subtle aromas of small red fruits and spices. When blended with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, it brings complexity and a bouquet of aromas to the wine. It produces fruity wines that can be drunk quite quickly, but whose great vintages can be kept for a long time. It is an earlier grape variety than Cabernet Sauvignon, which means that it is planted as far north as the Loire Valley. In Anjou, it is also used to make sweet rosé wines. Cabernet Franc is now used in some twenty countries in Europe and throughout the world.
wines from the region of Moulin-à-Vent go well with generally quite well with dishes of pasta, veal or pork such as recipes of pork filet mignon with foie gras and rosemary, veal paupiettes with cider or rabbit with hunter's sauce.
On the nose in the region of Moulin-à-Vent often reveals types of flavors of non oak, earth or oak and sometimes also flavors of red fruit, cherry or spices. In the mouth in the region of Moulin-à-Vent is a with a nice freshness.
