Beaujolais is on the rise, with quality at new heights and growing critical acclaim. Just south of Burgundy, the region focuses on the versatile Gamay grape. Just like its parent grape Pinot Noir, Gamay yields light-bodied reds with delicate, juicy fruit, floral aromas and earthiness – excellent food companions. The 2023 vintage hit the ‘sweet spot for quality, complexity, ageability and affordability,’ producing wines of ‘rare balance and elegance’ (Decanter).
Legendary Dominique Piron sold his highly regarded négociant business and now focuses on his family estate, Domaine du Vieux Bourg, crafting small-volume, high-quality Beaujolais from some of the region’s best sites. James Suckling praises the Vieux Bourg Beaujolais Villages 2023 as ‘crisp, succulent and vivid,’ with a ‘mouthwatering finish’. Lively acidity, crunchy wild berries, strawberry, subtle star anise and white pepper, and chalky tannins make this a great introduction to the estate’s wines.
Beaujolais has 10 crus and Morgon is among the finest. A blend from five plots of 60-year-old vines, the Vieux Bourg Morgon Cinq Terres 2023 stands as the estate’s signature wine. Aged in older foudre, it balances power and finesse, revealing layered purple and black fruit, hints of smoke, herbs, and fine minerality.
Their Beaujolais Blanc Clos du Vieux Bourg 2024 is a fine and rare find, 100% Chardonnay that hails from a 3-hectare clay-limestone plot. The domaine’s only white, it offers opulent stone fruit, citrus and florals, with a flinty edge that builds tension. This is a value Chardonnay not to overlook.
If you haven’t explored Beaujolais, this is the place to start – and at these prices, the wines are a compelling buy. ‘There has never been a better time to explore this region’s delicious, approachable wines’ – Josh Raynolds, Vinous.
Tasting Notes:
Vieux Bourg Beaujolais Villages 2023
‘A crisp, succulent and vivid red with sour cherries, strawberries and baking spices on the nose. Medium-bodied with chalky tannins. A juicy center palate with more berry character and a crisp, mouthwatering finish.’ – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, 90/100
Vieux Bourg Morgon Cinq Terres 2023
‘A well-balanced, juicy and lively red with aromas of cherries, wild herbs and warm spices. Medium-bodied with sleek tannins and fresh acidity. Crunchy and seductive, with a textural finish. Drink or hold.’ – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, 95/100
