ALTHOUGH last Thursday marked the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau for the 2011 vintage, avoid succumbing to this fading trend of artificial tasting wines and look towards what the region does best – charming and versatile reds made from the gamay grape and crisp, minerally whites from chardonnay.
Look for wines from the 2009 or newly-released 2010 vintage, which have breathed a new lease of life into the region. Check out some of the following as evidence that Beaujolais really is bouncing back.
Beaujolais Blanc, Cuvée des Vignerons 2009 £7.29 Waitrose
Around two per cent of the region is planted with chardonnay which thrives on the limestone soils to the north of region and can share characteristics with their northerly Burgundian neighbours at a fraction of the cost. Showing mouthfuls of crisp citrus and pineapple flavours all wrapped up with fresh acidity, it’s a perfect pairing for light seafood dishes.
Fleurie Vieilles Vignes, Domaine Pardon 2010 £12.49 Laithwaites
Fleurie has been described as the ‘queen of Beaujolais’ due to the aromatic and elegant style of wines produced. Showing a stunning concentration of berry and floral aromas, the palate shows substance and juicy fruity flavours. Serve lightly chilled to bring out as much freshness as possible and serve alongside a platter of cheese.
Côte de Brouilly Domaine de la Poyebade £9.99 Waitrose Wine Direct
The wines of Côte de Brouilly are not as well-known as their big brother Brouilly, however can produce some of the region’s most interesting and diverse styles.
All the wines are produced on the slopes of the extinct volcano, Mont Brouilly, which provide the vines with a higher sun exposure and a great richness in flavour.
Showing an expressive nose of crushed blueberries, graphite and aniseed which move into full flavours of black cherries and a mineral freshness on the finish.
Moulin-à-Vent, Richard Rottiers 2009 £13.60 hgwines.co.uk, bottleapostle.com
If Fleurie is the queen then Moulin à Vent (named after an old windmill to the northwest of the picturesque village Romanèche-Thorins) is undeniably the ‘king of Beaujolais crus’ due to its rich and structured personality. The young and dynamic Richard Rottiers farms just over three hectares of top quality Moulin-à-Vent which are full of brooding black fruit, spice and wonderful persistence. Definitely worth stashing away carefully for an additional five years to let these flavours develop to perfection.
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