Wine Chiroubles

History & Geography of the village of Chiroubles

The commune of Chiroubles, named after its wine, is located in the centre-east of France, more precisely in the Rhône department. This charming Beaujolais village is surrounded by the communes of Villié-Morgon and Fleurie. It is about fifty kilometres from Lyon. Chiroubles offers one of the finest and most aromatic wines in the entire region. It is often referred to as a wine with a very feminine character, given its light tannic structure, fruity and greedy, reminiscent of rose, violet and peony.

Chiroubles has been recognised as an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) since 11 September 1936. It also holds the European label: Appellation d'origine protégée (AOP). The Beaujolais region is renowned for the quality of its wines, and alone represents 2/3 of the total production of the Burgundy region. Indeed, Beaujolais wines are popular and considered to be "bistro wines", or counter wines. As the people of Lyon say, Beaujolais is a "corked" wine.

It has 14 different appellations, 10 of which are labelled "cru". This status indicates that the vineyards bearing this mention are of a very distinct quality, due to their terroirs, the climate in which they are located, but also from the point of view of their wine-making methods, and above all, their tasting.

In the small village of Chiroubles, Mr Victor Pulliat was born. He was the most important man in the history of wine in the region, as early as 1860. He was the creator of the magazine "Le Vignoble" and of the "Société Régionale de Viticulture" in Lyon. Above all, he was the man who discovered the long-awaited remedy to combat the devastating "Phylloxera". This terrible disease, caused by the attack of an insect: "the terebrant louse", ravaged three quarters of the French vineyard at the end of the 19th century. Nowadays, Victor Pulliat is still remembered. Some contemporary songs from the region pay special tribute to him: "I raise my glass and I drink. To your health Victor Pulliat. "

What are the characteristics of the Chiroubles vineyard?

The commune of Chiroubles benefits from a very particular climate. Its vineyard is nestled at the highest altitude of all the Beaujolais wines. The vines are grown at an altitude of about 450 metres, at the foot of the Saint-Rigaud mountains. The vineyard is therefore well protected from the winds and rain coming from the west. The climate is semi-continental and temperate, with very harsh winters and hot summers.

Chiroubles being the highest vineyard of the Beaujolais region, it is also the most threatened by hail. In addition, the vineyards of Chiroubles are located in the coolest area, compared to the other neighbouring crus. The region offers sumptuous, hilly and tortuous landscapes. The soil is mainly granitic and sandy. There is also schist and clay. This type of soil and the particular climate make the Chiroubles vineyard react in an ideal way to the different climatic influences and bad weather.

Gamay noir à jus blanc is the main grape variety used in the production of the AOP-AOC Chiroubles. This dry red wine is produced on average at 18,000 hectolitres per year, for a total cultivated area of between 350 and 360 hectares. The Chiroubles vineyards have the latest harvest. This is due to the cold climate in which the vineyard is located. The winegrowers harvest by hand.

What to pair a bottle of Chiroubles with?

Ruby red is the light colour of this Beaujolais wine. On the nose, the flowery aroma evokes violets and iris, and is reminiscent of the "Cru de Fleurie". Its sensual, light and feminine fragrance gives Chiroubles a beautiful delicacy in the mouth. Its flavours are persistent and mellow, with a taste of red fruits such as wild strawberries and raspberries. This dry red wine has little tannin, but this does not prevent it from ageing well.

It can be stored carefully in a cellar with a stable temperature, ideally around 10°C. Its ageing potential varies between 2 and 8 years on average for the best vintages.

The great vintages of the Chiroubles vineyard

The best years of Chiroubles production are numerous. And for good reason, it is a cru, the typical Beaujolais of the region. However, the years 1949, 2009 and 2011, are considered to be millennium vintages. Excellent vintages were also produced in 1989, 1991 and 1992.

Chiroubles can be enjoyed slightly chilled

Chiroubles red wine should be served after decanting, at an ideal temperature of between 14°C and 18°C. However, some people like to drink it cooler. The priority is to never put it in the fridge. The taste qualities of the wine could be greatly impaired.

The dry red wines "Chiroubles" are a wonderful accompaniment to many dishes. Among these, they are a delight with roast lamb, andouillette, calf's liver, pig's feet and filet mignon.

It is also perfect with charcuterie, but also chicken. Even more surprisingly, it is excellent with grilled fish dishes.