Enjoying fine wine and food in Lyon
Attending wine tastings are a great way of learning about wines, revising one’s knowledge and generally increasing one’s familiarity with the immense breadth of the subject. And, they can be fun !
Such a tasting event was held on November 21, the traditional third Thursday in November, in Sigoules, SW France to celebrate the launch of 2024 Beaujolais Nouveau. This event was organized by the Confrerie du Raisin D’Or de Sigoules, of which I am fortunate to be a member. The event was conducted by the Confrerie President.
Interest in Beaujolais Nouveau tastings has increased over recent years and this has been experienced in the Confrerie Beaujolais Nouveau tastings. Our host for the event described the evolution of the Beaujolais Nouveau story and here’s an abbreviated version :
In the 1950s, French law officially allowed the early release of Beaujolais wines. Not only was the wine released early for consumers but it also injected needed cash flow to the winemakers. By the 1970s, the third Thursday in November had become the established launch date. This November timing, coinciding with early Holiday Season planning, turned the launch into a festive tradition across France and beyond.
By the 1970s and 1980s, thanks to the marketing genius of Georges Duboeuf—one of the region’s most famous producers—Beaujolais Nouveau exploded into a global event. His exciting campaigns and slogans, famously recognized as “Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé!” (“The Beaujolais Nouveau has arrived!”), captured global attention. Major cities around the world engaged with celebrations, activities, and lots of excitement to deliver the first bottles of that year’s wine to major markets. This effective marketing has contributed to the magic of Beaujolais Nouveau. As often the case with overplayed hands, by the early 2000s, with an exaggerated ratio of quantity vs quality the hype diminished. In more recent years, the interest has again increased as experienced locally at the tastings in Sigoules.
At the Confrerie tasting, we taste two 2024 Beaujolais Nouveau wines, that is to say this year’s release and we also tasted Beaujolais Nouveau wines from 2023 to demonstrate the different styles of Beaujolais Nouveau wines : Beaujolais, Beaujolais Villages and Crus du Beaujolais which are 10 designated areas, four of which are the most well known : Fleurie, Moulin-a-Vent, Morgon and Brouilly. The Cru du Beaujolais we taste is from Saint-Amour, one of these ten areas. Additionally, we taste a Beaujolais Blanc and a Beaujolais Rose as well as a ‘look alike’ Beaujolais , Gamaret 2018 made from a different Swiss grape variety
A note about grape varieties : Beaujolais is made from the Gamay grape not Pinot Noir as is the typical variety in Burgundy.
Gamay characteristics : a purple coloured grape variety which is an old cultivar, mentioned in the 15th century. Often cultivated because it produces an abundant quantity of grapes. It can produce wines of distinction when planted on acidic soils which help soften the grape’s natural acidity. Key regions are Beaujolais, Loire Valley, Niagara Penninsula, Ontario, Willamette Valley, Oregan. It has been known for its harshness hence the importance of the soil type where it is planted. Gamay wines are typically light and fruity. They are meant to be drunk after some modest ageing which provides for more body. In the designated Cru Beaujolais areas (the 10 areas noted) the wines can have the flavour of sour cherries, black pepper and minerals. The soil of the Beaujolais area is typically granite.
Beaujolais Blanc is made from Chardonnay, the classic white Burgundy grape.
A map is always helpful to place oneself geographically and here is a map from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust showing Beaujolais in the Burgundy area between Dijon and Lyon. As a personal note and as outlined in my bio, I took my wine training through the Wine and Spirits Education Trust – WSET, delivered by James Cluer Wine Classes. In 2013, we joined the James Cluer Wine Tour of Champagne and Burgundy and not only enjoyed the wine and food experiences but also some parts of France we had not visited for some time, in particular Beaune and Lyon.
Map of Burgundy including Beaujolais
Lyon – gastronomique centre.
The 2024 Beaujolais Nouveau wines we taste were from Château de Corcelles. Château de Corcelles is a medieval fortress in the centre of the Beaujolais area and was a stronghold in the Middle Ages. It was partially destroyed in the 15th century. It’s cellars were built in the 17th century. It is known for its Beaujolais white, rose and red, Beaujolais Villages and three crus (wines named for a particular area), Brouilly, Morgan and Fleurie which are three of the 10 Beaujolais crus locations.
Château de Corcelles 2024 (12.5%Vol)
Chateau de Corcelles, Beaujolais Gamay, 2024
I find a roughness in this wine which is not unusual given it is a new wine.
Château de Corcelles, Beaujolais Villages (Brouilly) Vieilles Vignes 2024 (12.5% Vol)
I enjoy this wine more – there is more richness and more fruitiness.
Chateau de Corcelles, Beaujolais Villages, Gamay. Vieilles Vignes 2024
Saint-Amour, Cru du Beaujolais 2023.(13%Vol)
From one of the 10 crus du Beaujolais, I find there is little on the nose but I enjoy the wine and note more purple depth in colour.
Saint-Amour Cru du Beaujolais 2023
Saint-Amour Cru du Beaujolais 2023
The Beaujolais Blanc 2023 and Beaujolais Rose 2023 were tasted.
I particularly enjoy the freshness of the Beaujolais Blanc.
Beaujolais Blanc 2023
Overall
I am a fan of Beaujolais wines and frequently choose one when looking for a lighter red wine to serve with a meal.
It is interesting to hear the reactions of the 30 plus people at the tasting event which also includes delicious food items brought by participants for sharing.
The review of the Beaujolais Nouveau story, its marketing and the magic and romanticism of this popular wine together with the opportunity to taste a number of wines created an entertaining and educational event.
Bravo La Confrerie ! Vive le Beaujolais Nouveau
Elizabethsvines
References :
WSET map of Burgundy including Beaujolais
Château de Corcelles, domainesrichard.fr. An interesting website worth reviewing.
Confrerie du Raisin D’Or de Sigoules : confrerieduraisindor.com
James Cluer MW, Fine Vintage Ltd., Wine Educator and Wine Tours. http://www.finevintageltd.com
