The Winery Sandrine et Jean-Christophe Bessenay of Beaujolais

Discovering the wine region of Beaujolais

Beaujolais is an important wine region in eastern France, famous for its vibrant, Fruity red wines made from Gamay. It is located immediately South of Burgundy, of which it is sometimes considered a Part, although it is in the administrative region of Rhône. The extensive plantings of Gamay in this region make Beaujolais one of the few regions in the world that is so concentrated on a single Grape variety. Pinot Noir is used in small quantities in red and rosé wines, but in the name of regional identity, it is being phased out and will only be allowed until the 2015 harvest.

Although best known for its red wines, the region also produces white Beaujolais Blanc, from Chardonnay and Aligote. These two white wine varieties are also sometimes used in local red wines, in which they can make up to 15% of the Final blend. There are several forms of Beaujolais red wine: standard Beaujolais (including Beaujolais Supérieur), Beaujolais Villages and the Young, characterful Beaujolais Nouveau. The highest quality wines of the region are those of the ten Beaujolais crus - ten wine regions Long recognized as the best in the region.