Beaujolais Region

The vineyards in the Beaujolais region spread out over 30 miles from north to south and 8 miles across, with a total surface area of 54,350 acres. This region in France is bordered by Maconnais to the north, the Rhone Valley to the south, and the river Saone to the east.

This position causes the climate to be mainly temperate, shaped by both oceanic and continental influences. It enjoys what a wine geek would call a "microclimate", due to the thermal regulation offered by the rive Saone, which in turn favors a very gradual maturing of the grapes (that's a good thing). The South and South East orientation of the vineyards ensure favorable exposure to the sun (also a good thing!).

What makes a Beaujolas Villages different from a Cru? A Regnie different from a Moulin-a-Vent? For one thing, the soil, which has different composition depending on the area. For example, the vineyards in northern Beaujolais have a predominance of granite, which gives aromas of ripe fruit and faded rose. In the south, a clay-limestone soil gives a bouquet of red fruits.

Gamay (actually, Gamay noir a jus blanc, but who's checking?) is the main grape variety planted in Beaujolais, accounting for 98% of the vineyards. What about the other two percent, you ask? It's planted with Chardonnay, to produce Beaujolais Blanc.