Beaujolais Wine
Explore Beaujolais Wine: Sub-Regions & More
Beaujolais lies between the Mâconnais (southern Burgundy) and Lyon, with vineyards on granite and schist slopes that favor Gamay. The region has 12 appellations: Beaujolais, Beaujolais-Villages, and 10 crus whose villages craft distinct, site-driven reds; a small amount of Chardonnay is labeled Beaujolais Blanc.
While Beaujolais Nouveau (released the third Thursday of November) is the fastest to market, the benchmark wines come from the crus, where semi-carbonic or traditional fermentations yield expressive, age-worthy styles.
We’ve spent quite a bit of time in the Beaujolais region of France and plan to return in the future. To maximize our enjoyment, we thoroughly researched the local wines. Here’s a summary of what we discovered.
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Sub-Regions of Beaujolais
Beaujolais is organized into three main tiers that also correspond to its sub-regions: Beaujolais AOC, Beaujolais-Villages AOC, and the 10 crus of Beaujolais. These designations reflect both geography and quality, with wines becoming more site-specific and structured as you move from south to north. Each area offers a different expression of Gamay, shaped by soil, altitude, and tradition.
Beaujolais AOC
Covers the southern part of the region, producing light, fruity reds and the famous Beaujolais Nouveau. Best for easy drinking.
Beaujolais-Villages AOC
Centrally located, with 38 villages allowed to use the name. Wines are more structured than basic Beaujolais, often showing minerality.
The 10 Crus of Beaujolais
The northernmost zone, where the most distinctive wines are made. Each cru has its own identity, and labels omit “Beaujolais,” listing only the cru name:
Brouilly – The largest cru, producing approachable, fruity reds.
Côte de Brouilly – From steeper volcanic slopes; firmer and more structured than Brouilly.
Chiroubles – High-altitude vineyards, giving lighter, floral wines.
Fleurie – Known for elegance and perfume, often considered the most “feminine” style.
Morgon – Produces deep, age-worthy wines with earthy, stone-fruit notes (“morgonner” = to take on Morgon’s character).
Régnié – The youngest cru (recognized in 1988), offering vibrant, juicy wines.
Chénas – The rarest cru, with limited production, yielding robust, structured wines.
Moulin-à-Vent – The most powerful and age-worthy cru, often compared to Burgundy.
Juliénas – Full-bodied with spicy, floral notes, linked to Roman history.
Saint-Amour – The northernmost cru, producing two styles: light and fruity or rich and structured.
In simple terms, Beaujolais AOC offers light and fruity wines for everyday drinking, Beaujolais-Villages provides more character and structure, and the 10 crus showcase the finest expressions of Gamay, with styles that can be elegant, powerful, or long-lived.
Grape Varieties in Beaujolais
Beaujolais is dominated by Gamay, a grape that thrives in the granite and schist soils of the region, but a small amount of white wine is also produced from Chardonnay.
Black (Red) Grapes
Gamay
The signature grape of Beaujolais, making up over 95% of plantings. It produces light to medium-bodied wines with bright acidity, red berry fruit, and floral notes. In the crus, Gamay shows depth and structure, sometimes rivaling Pinot Noir in elegance and age-worthiness.
White Grapes
Chardonnay
Allowed in Beaujolais Blanc and Beaujolais-Villages Blanc, this grape is planted mainly in the northern parts of the region, near the Mâconnais. Wines are crisp, with apple, citrus, and mineral notes, often consumed young.
Wines in Beaujolais
Beaujolais is almost entirely defined by Gamay, producing wines that range from light and fruity to structured and age-worthy. While most wines are red, small quantities of white and rosé are also made.
Red Wines
Beaujolais Nouveau
The most famous export of the region, released on the third Thursday of November each year. Produced by carbonic maceration, these wines are light, juicy, and bursting with strawberry, cherry, and banana-like esters. Best consumed within a year.
Beaujolais AOC
Covers the widest area, producing straightforward, easy-drinking wines with red berry fruit and bright acidity. Ideal for casual enjoyment.
Beaujolais-Villages AOC
More concentrated than basic Beaujolais, with wines that show greater depth and minerality. Some producers use traditional fermentation methods, creating more structured examples suitable for short aging.
The 10 Crus of Beaujolais
The top tier of the region, each cru offering distinctive character:
Morgon & Moulin-à-Vent – Structured and age-worthy, capable of rivaling Burgundy reds.
Fleurie & Chiroubles – Floral and elegant, lighter in style.
Brouilly, Côte de Brouilly, Régnié, Juliénas, Chénas, Saint-Amour – Each with unique terroir expression, ranging from fruity to robust.
White Wines
Beaujolais Blanc
Made from Chardonnay, mainly in the northern areas near Mâcon. Crisp, citrus-driven wines, often compared to entry-level Burgundy whites.
Rosé Wines
Beaujolais Rosé
A smaller but growing category, made from Gamay with light berry fruit and refreshing acidity.
FAQs About Beaujolais Wine
What kind of wine is Beaujolais?
Beaujolais wines are primarily red, made from the Gamay grape. They are known for their bright acidity, juicy red fruit flavors, and light to medium body. Styles range from the easy-drinking Beaujolais Nouveau to the more complex and structured wines of the 10 crus.
Is Beaujolais similar to Burgundy?
Geographically, Beaujolais borders Burgundy, but the wines are different. Burgundy reds are made from Pinot Noir, while Beaujolais reds are made from Gamay. However, some of the top crus like Morgon and Moulin-à-Vent can show depth and complexity that approaches Burgundy in style and aging potential.
Is Beaujolais red or white?
Beaujolais is predominantly red wine, with over 95% of production focused on Gamay. A small amount of Beaujolais Blanc (from Chardonnay) and rosé (from Gamay) is also produced, though these are less common.
What is Beaujolais Nouveau?
Beaujolais Nouveau is a young, fruity wine released each year on the third Thursday of November. Made using carbonic maceration, it emphasizes freshness, with flavors of cherry, strawberry, and banana-like esters. It is intended for immediate consumption rather than aging.
Can Beaujolais wines age?
Yes. While basic Beaujolais and Nouveau are meant for quick drinking, wines from crus like Morgon, Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie, and Côte de Brouilly can develop beautifully over 5–10 years, gaining complexity and structure.
What food pairs best with Beaujolais?
Beaujolais Nouveau & basic Beaujolais – Charcuterie, roast chicken, and casual bistro fare.
Beaujolais-Villages – Burgers, sausages, or pork dishes.
Crus (Morgon, Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie) – Roast duck, coq au vin, mushroom dishes, and cheeses.
Beaujolais Blanc – Seafood, poultry, and fresh cheeses.
What is special about Beaujolais wine?
Beaujolais is special because of its exclusive use of Gamay, its granite soils, and its unique winemaking techniques like semi-carbonic maceration. These factors give the wines their signature freshness, vibrant fruit, and ability to be enjoyed young, while crus can age gracefully.
What region is Beaujolais in?
Beaujolais is located in eastern France, between southern Burgundy (Mâconnais) and Lyon. Though administratively part of Burgundy, Beaujolais has a distinct identity based on Gamay.
Is Beaujolais a Pinot Noir?
No. Beaujolais is made almost entirely from Gamay, not Pinot Noir. While some crus (like Morgon or Moulin-à-Vent) can resemble Pinot Noir in structure and depth, the grape is genetically different and produces a brighter, juicier style.
Is Beaujolais worth visiting?
Yes. The region offers scenic vineyards, charming villages, and proximity to Lyon, making it ideal for wine tourism. Visitors can explore the crus, enjoy tastings at family-run estates, and experience Beaujolais Nouveau celebrations in November.