As Tim Atkin reminds us Beaujolais Nouveau is not happening any more (the fad still has staying power in Japan an China, he notes).
If the nouveau thing is now old, Beaujolais as a region is making a comeback on the scene because it offers more subtle wines, not wimpy but lighter as the Gamay grapes which are most commonly used in the reds deliver softer tannins.
The area counts no less than 10 Crus (- Brouilly
– Chénas
– Chiroubles
– Cote de Brouilly
– Fleurie
– Juliénas
– Morgon
– Moulin à Vent
– Régnié
– Saint Amour).
In Beau Selector, Tim Atkin puts these 10 appellations in 3 groups, light and fragrant, medium bodied and what he calls ‘the serious wines’. Does he mean cerebral or just more complex, I am not sure?
He also shares a few favorites such as Domaine de La Madone, FLeurie (2006), actually from Old Vines described by the winemaker as ‘not only an ideal summer red – fruity and refreshing – but because it is naturally low in tannin it goes very well with roast beef and can be delicious with fish‘.
The property offers a Gite for those of you who want to enjoy a day or two in the slow lane.
Another is the 2006 Brouilly, Domaine des Maison Neuves (site in French only, also offers a Gite).
The 2005 Vintage was described by Majestic Wine UK as follows:
‘From a quality-conscious grower that eschews the use of herbicides to
give healthier vines and lower, more concentrated yields. The
spectacular 2005 vintage has given a deep coloured wine, showing great
finesse and fruit intensity. Ripe berry and currant flavours, soft
tannins and balanced acidity on the finish.‘
The last of his picks is the 2006 Morgon, Marcel Lapierre which Harlem Vintage finds to be ‘an awe inspiring
example of Cru Beaujolais by legendary producer, Marcel Lapierre. Fresh
and bursting with red fruit with hints of clove. A brilliant food wine,
an excellent red for fish.‘
All this might put you on the wine trail or help your vacation plans.
Gamay Related: ‘Le Bois Jacou’, Stands Out in a Forest of Average Wines