Beaujolais, wines of our time

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 know-how laid the foundations for what was to become one of France's most appreciated appellations.

Over the centuries, its reputation has grown, attracting the attention of wine connoisseurs the world over. Its light, fruity red wines, made mainly from the Gamay grape, 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 seigneury of Beaujeu marked the history of Beaujolais.

17th century: Beaujolais becomes the leading supplier to Lyon's corks and taverns.

1927: The first cooperative winery opens in Beaujolais.

1951: The first Beaujolais Nouveau is marketed.

1985: A decree fixes the third Thursday in November as the date for releasing Beaujolais Nouveau for consumption.

2010: The beaujolais wine route and finally rethink embodying 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, who invented vine scald. He discovered the remedy to get rid of the "naughty worm", the moth, an insect that devastated vines 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 wine merchant business, selling Beaujolais and Mâconnais wines. A keen taster, he was keen to reveal the talent of the winegrowers and sublimate the great terroirs. He traveled the world to promote his wines alongside renowned chefs such as Guy de Savoy and Paul Bocuse.

Wines for sharing

Whatever their color, Beaujolais wines can be enjoyed both as aperitifs and at the table. They can be enjoyed at a variety of moments, always in the spirit of sharing, and seduce with their complex, crisp fruitiness.

Beaujolais de Fête, 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.

Beaujolais d'Exception, a wine for laying down, to be shared with family and friends at moments of great emotion.