Contents
Beaujolais Fleurie is reputed to be “the most feminine of wines” in its region. This famous wine appellation is located in the heart of the Beaujolais region. The appellation, which benefits from an AOC label as well as a European PDO label, produces mainly red and rosé wines (Gamay Noir grape variety), but also white wines (Chardonnay grape variety).
It mainly covers the charming commune of Fleurie, whose panorama of vine-covered hillsides lets you see the Saône valley all the way to the edge of Mont Blanc on a clear day.
The Fleurie appellation has 13 different climats
The Fleurie appellation includes 13 climats (lieux-dits) such as La Madone, La Chapelle de Bois, La Roilette… all of which fall within the boundaries of the Fleurie commune. Bordered to the north by the Moulin-à-vent appellation, to the south by the Morgon appellation and to the west by the Chirouble appellation, it is one of the most famous appellations in Beaujolais, and has been since the 18th century.th century century for its frank, fine character.
The Fleurie appellation is one of the 10 classified Beaujolais crus, along with Brouilly, Chiroubles, Chénas, Côte de Brouilly, Fleurie, Juliénas, Morgon, Régnié and Saint-Amour. Each of these crus offers a different and singular expression of their common grape variety: the famous Gamay.
Fleurie vineyards are sheltered from the wind
The appellation takes its name from the commune of Fleurie, where its vines grow. Perched at an altitude of 425 meters, the Fleurie appellation vineyard extends over 855 hectares and thrives on its light, particularly granitic, clayey and sandy soil, which is derived from the disintegration of the region’s pink granite and extends to the foot of the Chapelle de la Madone. Sheltered from the wind, this vineyard thrives on a unique soil that allows better retention of the water and nutrients that feed the vines. Mainly planted with Gamay, known as “Gamay Noir à jus blanc”, these red grape vines produce grapes of remarkable delicacy.
The region boasts a unique climate, as its semi-continental climate combines oceanic and Mediterranean influences. With plenty of sunshine, moderate rainfall and mild temperatures, the vines enjoy ideal exposure.
Fleurie is a full-bodied, feminine wine
The Beaujolais wine region produces mostly red and rosé wine from Gamay noir à jus blanc (98%), but also white wine from Chardonnay (2%).
Fleurie’s color ranges from purplish-red and carmine to ruby as the wine reaches maturity. The nose offers aromas of flowers (violets and peonies) accompanied by red fruits (raspberries, blackberries and blackcurrants).
On the palate, the first notes of this wine are marked by a frank but not aggressive attack. When the wine opens up, it reveals both elegance and fine tannins, the hallmarks of this Beaujolais appellation.
All these precious, delicate characteristics have led some oenologists to refer to this appellation as “the most feminine wine in Beaujolais” or “the queen of crus”. To fully appreciate the aspects and nuances of this wine, Fleurie requires 2 to 8 years’ cellaring.
What dish to serve with a glass of Fleurie?
Fleurie is a wine to be fully appreciated with typical dishes from the Beaujolais region. This light, elegant wine should be enjoyed at an ideal temperature of 14°C, and goes wonderfully well with white meats, poultry, leg of lamb or regional dishes such as andouillette à la beaujolaise or rabbit à la beaujolaise.
It is also an excellent accompaniment to a terrine as an aperitif or a vegetable pie as a starter. These recipes are sure to please even the most discerning taste buds, so obvious is the match between this vintage and these dishes.
1945, 1959 and 2005 among Fleurie’s most remarkable vintages
The vintages of this appellation are highly distinctive from one year to the next, with their own particular characteristics. However, some particularly exceptional years stand out. 1945, 1959 and 2005 are considered to be the best years, and some even describe them as the “vintages of the millennium”. More recently, 2009 and 2011 have been particularly good years for this appellation. These are known as “crus du siècle”.
AOC Fleurie wineries turn to organic methods
Domaine des Marrans
Since 1970, the Mélinand family has run the Fleurie estate. The domaine is located in Fleurie, 50km north of Lyon in the heart of the Beaujolais crus. Gamay Noir with white juice is the only grape variety used for red wines. Harvesting is manual, with highly selective sorting that respects the integrity of the grapes and the vines. In addition, vinification is traditional, with whole bunches and no exogenous yeasts added.
Château des Bachelards
Château des Bachelards was created by the monks of Cluny around 1100. Since 2014, Alexandra de Vazeilles, a viticulture and oenology graduate, has been the owner. Its vineyards cover more than 12 hectares, including 6 hectares in Fleurie.. It is the only domaine in Fleurie to have dual certification: organic farming certified by Ecocert as well as biodynamic certified by Demeter.
