From the granite slopes of the ten crus, to more diverse terroirs further afield, Beaujolais is capable of producing countless iterations of one of our favourite grapes, Gamay. Le Beajolais features three wines spanning three vintages from three of our growers in the region.
JULIE BALAGNY
Minouche 2022
Beaujolais, France
This bottling comes from old vines of Gamay in Fleurie belonging to Julie’s longtime friend and lodger, Sylvain Chanudet, the majority of which are planted in the lieu-dit of La Madone. Unusually, this spent a full year in barrels, followed by nine months in cuve, rendering a deep, supple Fleurie heady with dark fruit, wildflowers and spice.
Gamay
ROMUALD VALOT
Électron Libre 2024
Beaujolais, France
This year’s Électron Libre is a little different, essentially being a blend of grapes from the three different parcels that usually make up their Beaujolais-Villages, which come from old vines planted over granite some 300–400 metres above sea level in Quincié and Beaujeu. Possessing a little gas on opening, air reveals a light, bright and vibrant wine that pairs red berries and salty minerals to brilliant effect.
Gamay
BENOIT CAMUS
Château Roulant 2023
Beaujolais, France
Gamay from vines up to sixty years old, from a number of parcels and terroirs. This spent two weeks macerating as whole bunches, before being pressed off to concrete and cuve for a short élevage. From a cooler vintage, there is a luminous quality to the deep cherry-red fruit and an earthy mineral note from the varied soils that make this incredibly moreish.
Gamay