Wine Juliénas

The name Juliénas in homage to Julius Caesar

The Juliénas vineyard is located on the last hill of the Beaujolais region. According to legend, the name of this AOC was adopted in honour of the Roman general Julius Caesar. This ancient vineyard was born in the Middle Ages, and was established around the castle of Juliénas. The latter was built in the 13th century, and developed until the 16th century. The vines are nestled on the hill of Mont Bessay, at an altitude of between 250 and 478 metres.

Juliénas " Cru du Beaujolais ", is one of the very first vineyards to be born in Burgundy. Its AOC was established on 11 March 1938. In this area, on the northern border of the Rhône department, the terroir offers wines of a rare and unique typicity.

These dry red wines, which fall into the category of still wines, are particularly powerful and full-bodied for Beaujolais. The 600 hectare vineyard extends over 4 communes: Juliénas, Jullié, Émeringes and Pruzilly.

The wine business is so important for the Juliénatons that the winegrower and restaurateur Victor Peyret decided in 1954 to transform the old village church into a tasting room. Today, this old disused church bears the name: "Le cellier de la vieille église", a cult place and a must for wine lovers.

Characteristics of the Juliénas vineyard

As in the whole of the Beaujolais region, the climate is temperate with continental and southern tendencies. It is cold in winter and hot in summer. The only difference compared to some of the neighbouring vineyards, is that Juliénas is protected from the humid western winds, thanks to the relief of the surrounding mountains. The average annual temperature is around 12.5°C, with an average rainfall of around 790 mm. The 4 main climates of the Juliénas terroir are: Les Capitants, Les Mouilles, Les Cheres and En Bessay.

Its soils contain mainly granite, sand and clay. Nevertheless, it is proven that this Beaujolais commune offers the least granitic vintages in the region. Its asset is its richness in diorite. This same "blue stone" is also present in the terroir of the AOC "Côte de Brouilly". With its particular sunny climate and its atypical soil, Juliénas promises dry red wines with a full-bodied, fruity character that can be kept for a long time.

The Gamay Noir is the king of the Juilénas grape variety.

The 10 "Seigneurs du Beaujolais" Crus are all red wines, made from the same grape variety: Gamay noir with white juice. For some years now, other grape varieties can be used in the composition of Juliénas wines, up to a maximum of 15%: Pinot noir, Melon, Aligoté and Chardonnay.

The vineyard covers a total area of approximately 600 hectares. On average, the AOC produces 32 hectolitres of wine per year, for an authorised basic yield of 56 hectolitres per hectare. In addition, Juliénas is used in the blending of the "Beaujolais Village" appellation wines. These are considered to be wines of superior quality.

Tasting of the dry red wines of the AOC Juliénas

The Juliénas wines are balanced, but firm, solid and fleshy. They offer the freshness known from Beaujolais, with a powerful and fruity taste. From the 5th year of ageing, its colour tends to become darker and darker. In its early years, it is easily recognisable thanks to its deep purple or mauve colour, which is always brilliant.

Juliénas reveals primary aromas of flowers, such as peony and violet; but also scents of red and black fruits (blackcurrant, raspberry, redcurrant or strawberry). Then comes a spicy touch and a mineral side, specific to the terroir of the appellation.

The taste of Juliénas is identifiable by its rustic, solid and tannin-rich flavours. These dry red wines have a nervous or firm character, and express their best qualities from the 2nd year. The full maturity of these wines is only reached after its 5th year of ageing. It really improves with age.

What to eat with a Julienas?

Julienas has an alcohol content of about 10° and is best enjoyed with meat dishes, cold meats, but also with cheese. Its ideal temperature for drinking is at least 14°C, but it can be served between 15°C and 17°C. It is recommended not to decant a Burgundy wine, even a red one, unlike Bordeaux wines.

Here are some ideas of dishes with which you could enjoy a dry red wine from Juliénas: Roast poultry, coq au vin, grilled red meat, rabbit, Bresse chicken, or a good raclette. But also with game, charcuterie, around a cold buffet, or with cheese; such as Neufchâtel, Époisses or Cîteaux.