# Beaujolais-Villages (NV)

- **Producer:** Beaujolais
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Gamay
- **Region:** Beaujolais, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €15
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 12–14 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** raspberry, strawberry, redcurrant, blackcurrant, cherry, violet, liquorice

## About this wine

Beaujolais-Villages occupies a central place in the hierarchy of the Beaujolais region, acting as a qualitative step between general Beaujolais regional wines and the ten prestigious Cru appellations. Covering 38 designated communes across the northern part of the vineyard area, the appellation is characterized by high-elevation, granitic hillside slopes where vineyards benefit from optimal drainage and sun exposure. Viticulture here has ancient roots dating back to the 10th century under the Lords of Beaujeu and the monastic influences of Cluny.

## Interesting facts

- In 1950, Beaujolais was the first region in France to legally adopt the 'Villages' title for an official AOC.
- Local viticulture is often described as 'heroic' due to the manual labor required on steep granitic slopes.
- Beaujolais-Villages spans 38 communes surrounding the region's 10 famous Cru appellations.

## Food pairing

The lively acidity and low, silky tannins of Gamay make Beaujolais-Villages exceptionally versatile at the dinner table. High natural acidity cuts through rich meats like pork, duck, and charcuterie while refreshing the palate. Because the tannins are light, it pairs seamlessly with lean meats and poultry without creating a harsh, metallic clash.

## Wine making process

Production typically relies on traditional whole-bunch semi-carbonic maceration, a technique that extracts intense fruitiness and color while keeping tannin extraction gentle. Fermentation occurs over 7 to 10 days in temperature-controlled stainless steel or concrete vats. The wine is aged for 4 to 12 months in non-oak vessels or large oak foudres on fine lees to preserve freshness and pure varietal character before bottling.