Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé!” (the new Beaujolais has arrived!) This symbolic phrase has made Beaujolais one of the best known wines in the world.
But the Beaujolais country is not limited to the festive character of the new wine: the whole region is dedicated to the cult of the land.
Here, people are marked with a conviviality and a way of life that are enriched by the variety of the 12 appellations or approved labels. The country of golden stone opens its arms to you as far as the gates of Lyon.
The 12 Beaujolais Appellations
- Beaujolais is written with an “S” because there are 12 of them.
No, Beaujolais isn’t only Beaujolais Nouveau. And, even if this is the most famous ambassador of the Pays Beaujolais, there is no reason to forget the other appellations. The ’s’ at the end of Beaujolais is because there are 12 of them. - Beaujolais
This appellation spreads over the largest area. Par of the wine produced there is enjoyed all over the world in November as Beaujolais Nouveau. - Beaujolais Villages
The vines for these wines grow in 38 communes make up 25% of the total wine production in Beaujolais. These wines are also sold as Beaujolais Villages Nouveau. - The Beaujolais Crus
Brouilly, Chénas, Chiroubles, Côte-de-Brouilly, Fleurie, Juliénas, Morgon, Moulin à Vent, Régnié, and Saint Amour and the 10 Beaujolais Crus that are the jewels in Beaujolais’ crown. It’s well worth the wait if you leave them in the bottle for a few years. Connoisseurs wait for the spring following the harvest before tasting them. They wait for the Beaujolais Crus to have “done their Easter duty” (fait leurs Pâques) as the winemakers say. This means that the Crus have reached maturity and can be appreciated at their full value.
Follow the Vine trail in Beaujolais!
Allow yourself to be guided by a winemaker along the ‘Chemin de vigne’ vine trail, the first of its kind in the Beaujolais region!
Over 2.8km studded with 10 information points with different themes, this circuit looks at the vinegrower’s and winemaker’s job and the history of the area from the vines. Your guide will expand on the explanations found on the information panels, answer your questions, and increase your knowledge through his experience and know-how. You can buy a guide booklet that gives you other information, includes games and is an excellent souvenir of your trip.
At the end of the visit your accompanying winemaker will take you to his cellar and give you a commented tasting of his wines.
Béatrix Canard et Bernard Mathieu
Association « En Pays Varnaudis »
Moulin du Prince
69820 Vauxrenard
Tél : 04 74 69 90 51, B. Canard
Tél : 04 74 69 92 20, B. Mathieu
Description: an accompanied stroll along a vine trail created by the association and a tasting at the accompanying winemaker’s estate.
Length: around 2 hours. Open to all. Meet on the village square in Vauxrenard.
Timetable: every Saturday at 3pm from 15th April to 15th September.
Rate: free on Saturdays from April to September. For groups of 5 and over, by appointment at all other times than those shown above: set price €40. Guide booklet in French and English: €1.52 (available in the café on the village square).
Languages spoken: French. On prior request for groups (excepting the scheduled Saturday outings), visit available in English and Dutch.
For more information:
Le Pays Beaujolais, Maison du Tourisme à Villefranche sur Saône, Véronique Demoment
vdemoment@beaujolais.com
tél 04 74 07 27 56,
fax 04 74 07 27 59
Les Coupes des Meilleurs Bistrots (the best bistrot cups)
Another year well spent enjoying a glass of Beaujolais with friends new and old…
Once more America and France clink glasses of Beaujolais in New York Bistrots as their popularity and success grow.
The Best Bistrot Cup has been flourishing in New York for four years.
And this because of the quality of the restaurants taking part. The criteria taken into consideration for the competition are setting, quality and service as well as the welcome felt in the establishment.
What is there to do at the end of a hard day’s work but meet friends for a drink of Beaujolais to ease away stress and strain and bring a smile to your lips?
So, let’s raise our glasses to the best.
The Best Bistrot Cups in NYC
BACCHUS (2004)
409 Atlantic Avenue – NYC
Tel. (212) 718 85 21 572
ARTISANAL (2004)
2 Park Avenue (32nd Street bet Park & Madison)- NYC
Tel. (212) 72 58 585
LE SINGE VERT (2005)
160 Seventh Avenue (bet 19th & 20th Street) – NYC
Tel. (212) 366 4100
ORSAY (2005)
1057 Lexington Avenue (75th Street) – NYC
Tel. (212) 517 6400
MONTPARNASSE (2005)
1230 East 51 st Street (between 2nd & 3rd avenues) – NYC
Tel. (212) 758 6633
BELLEVILLE (2006)
330-332 Fifth Avenue (5th Street)- BROOKLYN
Tel. 718 832 9777
The Best Bistrot Cups in CHICAGO
CYRANO BISTROT & WINE BAR (2005)
546 North Wells – 60611 CHICAGO
Tel: (312) 467 0546
BRASSERIE JO (2005)
59 W Hubbard- 60610 CHICAGO
Tel. (312) 595 0800
CHEZ JOEL (2005)
1119 W Taylor Street – 60607 CHICAGO
Tel. (312) 226 6479
Want to learn more about the wines of Beaujolais? Go to Beaujolais.com
For more great ideas on visiting the wine regions of France, check out the French Government Tourist Office’s website, franceguide.com.
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