Two Paths Diverged in the Woods: Beaujolais

Two paths diverged in the woods of Beaujolais, most people took the one more traveled.  The trodden path was easier, presenting itself at a steep decline into fame, fortune and a villainous hogo of ichor.  This is the path of Beaujolais Nouveau, and I have come to destroy it.  Or at least stop you from drinking it.

Like the delicious neighborhood grilled burger stand that suddenly franchises and serves billions instead of serving you, Nouveau started as a great idea.  Everybody needs a spot of cash and Nouveau did just that – wine makers conscript the wine into carbonic machinations, which cranks out slightly alcoholic grape juice in no time flat.  It is released shortly after harvest and just in time to sell it to unsuspecting Americans for Thanksgiving.  The resultant “wine” is so limpid and vacuous that nobody could possibly be offended by it.  The Parent Company invites the dancing girls and we all drink so much that by the time it comes around again next year nobody really remembers how bad it actually was.  The race to the bottom is always easiest when greased with pecuniary lubricant.  And that is exactly what Beaujolais Nouveau has become – the absolute rock bottom of French commercialism.

It’s not that commercialism is bad, in fact it can be kind of fun – just wait ‘til you get to the bottom of this email!  It’s just that the French are so lousy at it.  You can’t even get a side of fries with your order of Beaujolais Nouveau. 

But fortunately there is that other path in the woodlands of Beaujolais and some peripatetic souls have traversed it.  This path, the less traveled path, is the path of Cru Beaujolais.

You see, beyond Beaujolais Nouveau, and maybe a bit hidden because of it, is the wonderful world of Cru Beaujolais.  Gamay planted where it should be planted and treated with the winemaking respect it deserves, and therefore making some of the most delicious, gulpable easygoing wines on the planet.\

Never had a Cru Beaujolais before?  Or do you already absolutely adore them?  Either way, this tasting is for you.  Come and explore these gorgeous wines.

Wines to be tasted: 

2020 Jean Foillard Beaujolais Villages $32
2019 Les Sources d'Agape Saint Amour Petit Besset $40
2017 Chignard Julienas Beauvernay $32

2020 Diochon Moulin A Vent VV $32
2021 Lapierre "Le Beaujolais" $35
2019 Guy Breton Morgon $40

2021 Chateau Raousset Chiroubles $25
2020 Thevenet Regnie Grain & Granit $40
2021 Chateau Thivin Cotes de Brouilly $36

This wine list is representative of tastings in the past. Please stay tuned for an updated list.