Ep 377: The Wines of Beaujolais and its Ten Divine Cru

<p>Beaujolais is a unique, standalone wine region in central eastern France. Sandwiched between southern Burgundy (the Mâconnais) and Lyon (where it is their preferred wine), these wines and this terroir is like no other on earth. With high elevation from the western Massif Central, east and south-facing slopes, these wines get ripe over a long growing season with good diurnals. The unique pink granite and weathered granite sand, along with mineral rich soils of the northern section of Beaujolais, aren’t something you’ll easily find elsewhere in the wine world. In addition, nowhere else in the world specializes in the Gamay grape.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img style= "display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src= "https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/45638/023_etienne_ramousse_inter-beaujolais_ete_2018_hd_externe_2018-23.jpg" alt="" width="299" height="199" /><span style= "font-size: 8pt;"><em>Source: <a href="http://www.beaujolais.com" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">www.beaujolais.com</a></em></span></p> <p>This grape’s expression in the 10 Crus of Beaujolais – whether it be like iris and violets, tart cherry, blackberry, mineral or intense spice – is always surprising and refreshing due to the high acidity of the wines. The quality for price can’t be beat and as producers embrace traditional vinification rather than carbonic maceration (used in Beaujolais nouveau, which is declining) the wines continue to improve and show what Gamay and the Beaujolais region are capable of. We give you all the details you need to seek out these splendid, undervalued gems.</p> <p> </p> <p>There are 12 Appellations in Beaujolais: 10 Cru and 2 regional appellations</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>Beaujolais/Beaujolais Superiéur</strong> are regional appellations. These wines are mainly (99%) red of Gamay. They are required to have a minimum of 10% alcohol (not very ripe!) and are generally made via semi-carbonic maceration. These wines can be red or rosé. The reds taste like red grapes, cranberr