Château des Poupets

Beaujolais Appellation: A Unique Terroir Tapestry

Spanning the departments of Rhône and Saône-et-Loire, AOC Beaujolais vineyards extend from the golden-hued Pierres Dorées in the south to the northern reaches along the Saône. It is the most expansive of the twelve Beaujolais appellations.

A regional gem in three colors

The appellation spans all 72 communes of the Beaujolais vineyards. It sits primarily between L’Arbresle and Belleville, stretching along the eastern slopes of the Crus almost to Saint-Amour. More than 300 hectares are dedicated to AOC Beaujolais whites, with Chardonnay plots chiefly in the far north and south — Liergues, Le Bois d’Oingt and Bully.

An overview

Established in 1937, Beaujolais is a household name for wine lovers at home and abroad, especially for its en primeur wines. The label never fails to surprise, inciting passion and lively discussion.

White

  • Balanced
  • Year-round aperitifs and festive meals
  • Floral and mineral aromas
  • Crystalline yellow with golden highlights
  • 8–10°C
  • Generous mouth-feel with peach, apricot and occasional vanilla
  • Tahitian salad with marinated white tuna, stuffed chicken, cod in cream, chicken suprême, fish en papillote, seafood risotto

Red

  • Enticing, fruity and crisp
  • Aperitifs and meals among friends
  • Freshly picked, slightly spicy red fruit
  • Radiant crimson
  • 12–14°C
  • Supple, fruity and thirst-quenching
  • Brunches, raw vegetables, chicken fricassee, andouillette, poultry terrine, braised veal, sugar tarts, raspberry tarts

Rosé

  • Refreshing, expressive and universally appealing
  • Lunches with friends or appetizer buffets
  • Delicate floral and red-fruit aromas
  • Pale hue with salmon-pink highlights
  • 5–8°C
  • Supple and fruity
  • Summer tables, light lunches, aperitif buffets

Shelf life

Contrary to popular belief, many Beaujolais wines have real aging potential. Excluding Nouveau, some wines from this appellation can be enjoyed after three to four years in bottle.

The legacy of Beaujolais Nouveau

Beaujolais and Beaujolais-Villages are the exclusive AOCs permitted to produce Beaujolais Nouveau in red and rosé. Rooted in the European celebration of Saint Martin’s Day and nearly seven decades strong, the third Thursday of November has become a worldwide sensation — from North America to Japan, Eastern Europe to Southeast Asia, and notably China. Over 20% of the vineyard’s yield goes into Nouveau each year. Crafting its light, fruity essence without astringency demands real expertise. Since 2006 in Japan and 2007 in France, Nouveau rosés have joined the celebration.