Beaujolais: Dig into Diversity

Beaujolais: Dig into Diversity

Beaujolais Brings Depth, Diversity, and Storytelling Power
to the Vancouver International Wine Festival

At the 2026 Vancouver International Wine Festival I had the opportunity to attend the seminar Beaujolais: Dig into Diversity moderated by Iain Philip. Truth be told I targeted this seminar strictly because of the moderator. Iain Phllip is about as good as it gets when it comes to moderating a seminar or Masterelass about wine. His expertise is not limited to Beaujolais but is far reaching. You can learn more about Philip here who, with Barb Philip, Master of Wine, educates and consults through Barbariain Wine Consulting.

Some quick topics that were discussed include the weather. The region is subject to extreme weather, 30% or more growing seasons experience at least one of these challengs; rain, snow, heat and dryness. The vineyards are high elevation adding to the complex issues of the area. The soils are mostly either limestone or granite which affects the wine.

Those two aspects of the terroir are really the tip of the iceberg in terms of the soil. Based on studies of more than 1,000 pits that were used to analyze the soil and concluded there are 300 uniquely identified soil types. The soil is estimated to be 500 million years old and was not touched by the ice age meaning the soil has remaned the same and held its characteristics. Granite, being lighter and delicate produces red fruit, whereas blue stone has depth and richness producting black fruit.

Beaujoolais wines are 94% Red, 2% Gamay Rosé and 4% White Chardonnay. There are 15,000 hectares of Beaujolais. Wine is produced using Carbonic Maseration and semi-Carbonic Maseration. producing rich, dark red wines without tannins. Wines of Beaujolais are considered festive, expressive, less prententious, exceptional and celebrated “around the table”

Beaujolais Village comprise 38 Villages over 3250 hectares with an average elevation of 232m. Beaujolais was the first to use the designation Village which means the wine is specfic to the terroir.

Although I have mainly focused on the wine tasting of the Beaujolais: Dig into Diversity portion of the seminar  there really was so much more that was presented. The information was presented both by Philip and the use of visuals and facts using slide presentations. The presentation was very interesting with facts and figures that covered soil composition, climate factors, history, the evolution of winemaking. To truly appreciate the depth of Beaujolais region and to learn more this link will take you to their website with maps, facts and figures. I highly recommend if you are interested it is worth your time to take a look on Beaujolais Nouvelle Generation’s website. No matter your level of knowledge or interest there is always something interesting to learn about Beaujolais.

These are the Beaujolias wines that were poured at the Beaujolais:Dig into Diversity seminar with moderator Iain Philip. Wine notes are courtesy of each winery’s website, followed by my own tasting notes (in italics).Following the wine tasting there is a list with links to each winery so you can discover additional information about Beaujolais.

BEAUJOLAIS “PARCELLAIRE” 2023 Albert Bichot

Beaujolais
AOC Régionale
Gamay

TASTING
Delicate nose combining floral notes (violet, peony) with the fruit forward character of the Gamay grape. The palate is fresh, fleshy and delicious with notes of red fruit. The finish is refreshing with fruit continuing to dominate.

FOOD/WINE PAIRING
Taste this wine with charcuterie boards and cheeses, vegetarian starters and dishes, or grilled or roasted meats and poultry.

SERVING AND KEEPING
Serve at 12-13°C (53-55°F).
Enjoy this wine when young or within 3 years to fully appreciate its fruitiness.

At the southern extremity of winegrowing Burgundy, the Beaujolais is a not-to-be-missed region that has gained international fame due to Beaujolais Nouveau. However, in addition to that festive wine, the Beaujolais also offers a remarkable ensemble of terroirs where the Gamay grape, which originated in the region, shows off all it has to offer like nowhere else.

The granite-based soils of the Monts du Beaujolais showcase the characteristics and full potential of this varietal. The climate, which is warmer than the rest of Burgundy, also has an influence on the characteristics of the wines, which boast intense fruit flavours and round mouthfeel.

A beautiful deep red in the glass. The wine is deeply rich with ripe fruit scents of Marachino cherry. With fresh, wet leaves and floral notes. With hot sunny, consistent weather yields were up 20% over 2022.

The wine was lighter than I expected from the colour with medium tannins and good acidity. Fresh and lingering, it is an easy drinking wine. it was considered an “extreme” vintage.

Saint Amour 2020 Michel Guignier Amethystes

A seductive wine with notes of very ripe dark fruit, balanced and fruity. Perfect for Valentine’s Day! Best enjoyed 1 to 6 years after bottling.

Soil: Clay, siliceous.

Quantity of Saint-Amour

Opening with very rich aromas, almost creamy. A bit of onion, horse, earthy, a little bit stinky, herbaceous with a touch of red candy. The wine is fresh with very light tannins. Very pleasing and refreshing.

The wine is fruity, very tasty and interesting. Rich, quite complex with a memorable finish A natural touch in the wine. A younger style with an old world scent.

Crafted by a fourth generation winemaker with a sense of place. Biodynamic, macrodynamic and particular semi-carbonic. 

Chénas Au Bois Retour Domaine du Vieux Bourg 2022

TERROIR
“Au Bois Retour” in the Chénas appellation is grown on granite and quartz soils.

TASTING
This Chénas wine is elegant and generous. With its silky, almost saline character, Chénas is a perfect reflection of that fifth Asian flavor, umami.
to be consumed between 2 and 10 years.

FOOD AND WINE PAIRING
Chénas is the perfect accompaniment to festive meals: rack of pork, roast poultry, veal blanquette, ragout …

PROTECTED DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN IN FRANCE – PDO
Chénas – Cru du Beaujolais

Light scents of fresh fruit, kiwi, apples red fruits and citrus. Opening with nice ripe red fruits and a bit of raspberry. Delicious. Medium body that is rich and flavourful. Deep fruit notes, so good, no determinal tannins just pure essence. An excellent wine finishing with velvet silkiness. Although not overly lingering the wine leaves you wanting more.

A fourteenth century producer who was growing and buying grapes through the 1980’s expansion in 2013 and sold in 2020. Now a new enterprise and an old family vineyard.

220 Hectares planted at an elevation of 250 m

This was my number one favourite overall. 

Moulin a Vent 2022 Chateau des Jacques

Color / Grapes Red/Gamay
Region Beaujolais
Appellation Moulin à Vent

Features

This wine is a blend made from our eight great terroirs of Moulin-A-Vent : Rochegrès, Carquelin, Champ de Cour, Thorins les Vérillats, La Roche, la Rochelle and Les Caves. The pink granite soils are different from one vineyard to another and show various depths, alterations and exposures.

Vinification

Picked and sorted by hand, and often de-stemmed, the grapes macerate slowly over the course of three or four weeks. Both pigeage and pumping take place during the fermentation period depending on the vintage characteristics.

Winemaking and bottling

The wines are aged for 10 months in concrete tank and in oak barrels, in our historic cellar. The oak used to make the barrels comes from the forests of Allier, Limousin and Nivernais.

Vintage

“At last a freezing winter that will give a good rest to our vines” were we thinking in January 2024 watching the snow falling onto the windmill. Hallas, mild temperatures appeared right at the beginning of February, getting the vegetative cycle started very early on. First buds were out by the end of March. April and May broke all temperature records (35°!) and water was scarce. Flowers spread their scents at the end of May. Thankfully, at last, June brought a few rains helping the grapes to develop. But these days, the price to pay for a bit of water is high. On the 24th and 25th of June some plots of Corcelette in Morgon, and Fleurie, were hit by hail. July displayed high temperatures and sunshine, and, for the first time ever, we saw grapes changing colours on the first week of July. August was dry, hot, with no cloud on the horizon. We started the harvest on Grand Carquelin plot in Moulin-à-Vent on the 19th of August. Like 2020, the vintage 2022 released shows incredibly no signs of the turmoil and heat-waves of the year, and together with colour and intensity, the wines are fresh and elegant.”

Tasting / Food pairing

Rich and powerful, these wines display the essence of their appellation with elegant fruit, supple tannins and freshness. This wine will be a good companion to all sorts of dishes: meat, fish, cheese, vegetables etc …

Preservation

This Moulin-A-Vent needs two or three years to reach its harmony, and can then age easily for several decades. Vintages such as 2009, 2005, 1999, 1985 or even 1976 are delicious today.

www.chateau-des-jacques.fr

Made with a traditional vinification. Scents of rose, some light dust, horse, a bit stinky, an old world scent. Dark fruit which is rich and inviting. A very dark red in the glass. With black cherries, Lily of the Valley, and cinnamon scents. Intensely beautiful aromas.

Heavenly, rich and delicious with light tannins that enhance the excellent acidity. The wine is smooth like velvet. There is some minerality on the palate. Young, yet so drinkable now. A bit more acidic than the previous wine. It is complex, deep, and very rich, a heavenly, outstanding wine.

620 Hectares planted at an elevation of 255 m

Fluerie 2023 Chateau de la Chaize

TERROIR
This single-vineyard cuvée comes from east-facing vines, averaging 70 years old, located on the hills above the village of Fleurie, in the iconic area near the Chapel of the Madonna, on predominantly sandy and stony soil composed of granite and lamprophyre.

VINIFICATION
Single-vineyard vinification (100% Gamay Noir) / 100% destemmed / Maceration: 21 days in stainless steel tanks. Pump-overs and racking. No punch-downs. Sulfiting after malolactic fermentation and at bottling / Aging: 7 months in large oak casks

WINE ANALYSIS
Alcohol content: 14%

TASTING NOTES
Commented by Olivier Poussier, in the summer of 2024:

Appearance: A beautiful purple colour

Nose: The nose reveals a juicy Gamay with notes of black cherry and plum. The palate is enhanced by peppery spices. The nose possesses the freshness and the charcoal and mineral character that the granite terroir brings. The aging is nuanced, and the overall impression is luscious.

Palate: The palate opens with a direct attack, the mid-palate revealing a powerful alcoholic presence and a certain generosity. However, this is well controlled by a framework of tannins that provides tension and the necessary structure to maintain a beautiful harmony.

Serving temperature: 15°C

Initially a hint of mushroom or truffle, some ripeness. Cranberries but lighter scents. A tiny bit stinky with barnyard and red fruits. The wine is very fresh, quite light but extremely tasty with approachable tannins. Flavours of red fruit with a little touch of spice and leather. The wine is lingering.

Chateau de La Chaize is the largest estate in Beaujolais. The wine is a blend of cru of Fleurie using the Burgundian method, focusing on terroir through minimal intervention,

Morgon les Charmes 2019 Chateau Bellevue

DESCRIPTION 

Château de Bellevue, a majestic residence built in 1840, overlooks the village of Villié-Morgon from the Bellevue hill.

The 7 hectares of vines are planted on the east-southeast-facing slopes of the Les Charmes vineyard, on light brown, sandy-loam soil, poor in organic matter, resting on a clay subsoil with large sandstone blocks.

The grapes are harvested by hand. Vinification takes place at the Château according to the traditional Burgundian method, using partially destemmed grapes. A long maceration of 3 to 4 weeks is followed by manual punch-downs for a long and gentle extraction of the silky tannins, typical of this vineyard. The wine is partially aged in large oak casks and French oak barrels for 9 to 10 months. 

Best enjoyed within 2 years. 

Alcohol: 13.5% vol.

An interesting red colour with a rusty tinge on the edge. With clean, light scents, less barnyard, with leather and clay notes. The aroma is herbaceous, with hints of tomato sauce, oregano, thyme and red fruits. The wine shows legs in the glass. 

Opening with very ripe flavours of dark fruit, yet a lightish texture. Wonderful spicey notes the wine is quite delicious with rich flavour. Both fresh and smooth with good acidity. Very little tannin. A really nice refreshing wine that is exhitiing a purity in the finish.

Cote de Brouilly Les Garances 2022 Domaine Baron de l’Ecluse

Prestige Cuvées

Crafted with patience to achieve the depth of a wine with excellent aging potential.

Deep color. Spicy and slightly oaky nose due to 12 months of aging in oak barrels. A structured and rounded wine on the palate.

Crafted with patience to achieve the depth of a wine with excellent aging potential. Be patient; this cuvée deserves two years of cellaring to reach its full maturity.

Produced on a Terra Vitis and HVE 3 certified estate, using organic viticulture practices.

Serve at 16°C.

Aging potential: 10 years

A lovely dark red colour with aromas of a granite based port. Delectable scents of plum and dark ripe fruits. Much more flavourful than the previous wines tasted. Very rich with ripe scents.

This wine is so good, super fresh with very ripe, dark fruit, including blackberries. The richness shows in the medium tannins and a finish of spice. The wine is both pleasant and very good, as well as delicious. A great wine.

This was my number two pick.

Beaujolais Blanc 2023 Maison Piron

Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay

AOP: Beaujolais Blanc

Colour: white

Our white Beaujolais wine, 100% Chardonnay. Fresh, fruity and balanced, developing floral notes.

Wine pairing

Conservation

A 100% Chardonnay cuvée reflecting the beauty of its terroir! A golden color, a floral and spicy nose, a beautiful balance in the mouth, substance and persistence. Food&Sense

This was the last wine of the tasting which unfortunately tends to put it at a disadvantage due to the short time left for tasting the last two wines in the lineup.

The scents were fresh and fruity, almost like a fruit salad. Some hints of stonefruit, peach and melon with just a bit of tropical. The wine finishes with pleasant spiciness thanks to the good acidity. The wine was very refreshing.

Description

If Beaujolais were summed up in a word, it would be diversity: the diversity of its landscapes, with the crus in the north, the Beaujolais Villages in the center, and the Beaujolais appellation, primarily in the south; and the diversity of its soils, whose characterisation highlights the terroirs in plot-by-plot cuvées. Explore this palette of characters!

Moderator: Iain Philip

Featured wines:

Maison Albert Bichot ,”Parcellaire” Beaujolais Villages 2023
Château de La Chaize, Fleurie 2023
Château Bellevue, Les Charmes Morgon 2019
Château des Jacques, Moulin-à-Vent 2022
Maison Piron, Beaujolais Blanc 2023
Domaine Baron de l’Écluse, “Les Garances”, Côte de Brouilly 2022
Domaine du Vieux Bourg, “Au Bois Retour” Chénas 2022
Michel Guignier, Saint-Amour 2020

Sponsored by 

Iain Philip

Iain Philip DipWSET gained his Wine & Spirit Education Trust diploma in 2001 and has actively been teaching all levels of WSET classes ever since. He has subsequently gained both his French Wine Scholar and Spanish Wine Scholar with highest honours. He currently teaches both of these courses for the Wine Scholar Guild. Iain is an Italian Wine Ambassador as granted by the Vinitaly International Academy, a VDP Wine Ambassador from Germany and a Cavaleiro in the Port Wine Brotherhood. He is a sought-after educator and presenter representing wine regions from all over the world.

Wine notes courtesy of the wineries (except as noted). I purchased tickets for myself and a guest through the Wine Fest website. Cost – $45./person My wine notes (in italics). All photos: MyVanCity. 

BC Liquor Stores Festival Wine Shop
Free bottle check and wine delivery
All wines served at the winery tables are available for purchase at the BC Liquor Stores Festival Wine Shop in the Tasting Room, but some are in VERY limited supply. When you discover a wine that you want to enjoy at home, don’t wait until the end of the session to buy it as it might be sold out – put it in the handy bottle check, and then continue your tasting session. Repeat as necessary. When you’re ready to leave, check out your wines. And if you live in British Columbia, whether you’ve bought one bottle or several cases, your wine can be shipped free of charge to your nearest BC Liquor Store. Very convenient! – courtesy of the Wine Festival website.

Unfortunately, and much to the disappointment of many attendees, and according to the representatives pouring the Beaujolias wines in the Tasting Room, these wines were not available for sale on site.