Wine Côte-de-Brouilly

The Côte de Brouilly appellation is protected by Notre Dame des Grains

The Côte de Brouilly vineyard is located in the northern part of the Beaujolais, just like the ten other "Seigneurs du Beaujolais" crus that make up the region. This wine appellation benefits from a rare and exceptional terroir, in addition to a privileged exposure compared to its neighbours. The AOC-AOP "côte-de-Brouilly" is a small wine-growing area that extends over 4 communes: Saint Lager, Odenas, Cercié and Quincié-en-Beaujolais.

Its remarkable vineyards extend to the highest point of Mount Brouilly. It has an incredible 360° orientation and is located in the middle of the region, in the Rhône department. At its summit, at an altitude of at least 480 metres, stands the chapel "Notre-Dame des raisins", which has watched over the estate since its construction in 1854.

A place of pilgrimage, beliefs suggest that it was built to protect the vines from hail and frost, but also from a terrible disease that ravaged the entire vineyard in the 1950s. Powdery mildew is a disease caused by a microscopic fungus, and the most feared by wine growers. It is capable of destroying an entire vineyard by contamination.

The Chapel of Our Lady of the Grapes bears the evidence of its history. On its stone façade is engraved: "To Mary, protector of the Beaujolais". And the altar bears the inscription: "To Mary against powdery mildew".

What are the characteristics of the Côte-de-Brouilly vineyard?

The vineyard benefits from a remarkable climate, with temperatures that can reach 45°C on the east and south facing slopes, where most of the crops are grown. The climate of this area is said to be semi-continental, with oceanic and Mediterranean influences. In the mountainous terrain of Mont Brouilly, the soils are largely made up of magmatic and eruptive rocks. This very rich terroir offers a multitude of soils, composed of granite, clay, sand and schist.

But what gives the wines of this AOC their special character is the famous "blue stone", composed of basalt crystals, iron silicate and magnesium. Diorite, or "blue stone", gives a full-bodied and powerful side to dry red wines. It is a rock of volcanic origin, also known as "green horns". This type of rock gives a very original and singular aspect to the wines of the Côte de Brouilly. Like all the red wines of the Beaujolais crus, it is made from the Gamay grape variety only; the Gamay noir à jus blanc, cultivated since the Middle Ages.

Côte de Brouilly" is produced in quantities of about 17,000 hectolitres per year. This is an interesting production, given the modest area of cultivation of this 360 hectare vineyard. The vineyard is surrounded by the AOC "Brouilly", which should not be confused with it. The latter is cultivated at the foot of Mont Brouilly.

Tasting of the AOC "Côte-de-Brouilly

Côte-de-Brouilly is a red wine with a deep and intense purple or dark garnet colour. Its aromatic palette is complex, suggesting red fruits, such as strawberry or raspberry; and enhanced by floral fragrances, such as violet, peony, but also iris. It also reveals mineral scents with surprisingly peppery notes.

Côte de Brouilly" is a more robust wine than its AOC Brouilly brother. Its palate is marked by lively aromas of fresh grapes. It is a dry red wine with a high tannin content. It has a very interesting ageing potential. The more it ages, the more supple and round it becomes in the mouth.

Great vintages in Côte-de-Brouilly

The Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée "Côte de Brouilly" offers wines that are recommended to be drunk from the 4th year of bottling. Before that, it is preferable to keep it in a cellar at a good temperature, to enjoy a better tasting in the future.

The ageing potential of Côte de Brouilly is 3 to 6 years. It can go up to 8 years, depending on the best wines, but as a general rule, it will not go beyond that. As the vineyard is particularly favourable to the production of exceptional wines, many years offer excellent vintages for these dry red wines.

The so-called "millennium vintages" are those produced in the years: 1929, 1937, 1949 and 2005. Other vintages are recognised by the mention "exceptional vintages", for wines produced in : 1943, 1949; 1945 and 1969.

The greatest vintages produced recently are those of 2009 and 2011.

What dish should I serve a Côte-de-Brouilly with?

The AOC-AOP "Côte de Brouilly" goes well with different types of dishes, mainly with meat (beef, duck, veal, game, etc.). It is delicious with dishes such as hare terrine, Hachis Parmentier, veal paupiettes, etc.

It can also be served with red fruit desserts, where you can enjoy its fruity aromas. To enjoy its best flavours, we advise you to taste it at a temperature of 15°C.