A little history
The winegrowing history of Beaujolais dates back to Roman times, when the first vines were planted in this fertile region. However, it was during the Middle Ages that viticulture really flourished, thanks to the influence of Benedictine monks who developed and perfected winemaking techniques. Their expertise laid the foundations for what was to become one of France’s best-loved appellations.
Over the centuries, Beaujolais has gained in reputation, attracting the attention of wine connoisseurs the world over. Its light, fruity red wines, mainly made from Gamay grapes, have won over the palates of even the most demanding wine lovers. The region is famous for its ten crus, including Morgon, Fleurie, Brouilly and Moulin-à-Vent, each offering unique characteristics that reflect the terroir and know-how of local winemakers.
A few emblematic dates
12th century: The Beaujeu seigneury marked the history of the Beaujolais region
17th century: Beaujolais becomes the leading supplier to Lyon’s bouchons and taverns
1927: The first cooperative winery opens in Beaujolais
1951: the first Beaujolais Nouveau is marketed
1985: A decree sets the third Thursday in November as the date for releasing them for consumption.
2010: La route des vins du beaujolais (The Beaujolais Wine Route) and finally rethink how to embody the backbone of the vineyard
2018 : unesco officially designates the beaujolais as a “UNESCO Global Geopark”.
Among the great men of Beaujolais is Benoît Raclet, inventor of vine scalding. He discovered the remedy to get rid of the “naughty worm”, the moth, an insect that devastated vineyards in the first half of the 19th century, especially in the Mâconnais region.
Sometimes nicknamed “the pope” or “the king” of Beaujolais. Georges Duboeuf, who came from a long line of winegrowers, settled in Romanèche-Thorins in 1964 to set up his own Beaujolais and Mâconnais wine merchant business. A fine taster, he was keen to reveal the talent of the winegrowers and sublimate the great terroirs. He has traveled the world showcasing his wines alongside renowned chefs such as Guy de Savoy and Paul Bocuse.
Sharing wines
Whatever their color, Beaujolais wines can be enjoyed both as aperitifs and at the table. They can be enjoyed at various moments of consumption, always in the spirit of sharing, and seduce with their complex, crunchy fruitiness.
Beaujolais de Fête is there to celebrate the end of the wine year and the arrival of a new wine.
Beaujolais de Caractère, it’s the perfect magnum wine to enjoy with friends around a bistro table.
A Beaujolais d’Exception, this is a wine for laying down, to be shared with family and friends at moments of great emotion.
Passionée de vins
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