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Rosé and white wine may be the popular choices for summertime sipping, but the refreshing reds from France's Beaujolais region are great additions to your warm-weather beverage lineup, especially when served slightly chilled.
While Beaujolais is administratively part of Burgundy, it sets itself apart from its northern neighbor with its signature grape, Gamay, and granite soils. The Gamay grape is light-bodied and has a similar red-fruit profile to Pinot Noir. The best examples offer fresh cherry and raspberry fruit flavors along with some floral, mineral and spice details.
Even more appealing are the price tags for Beaujolais wines: The regional Beaujolais and Beaujolais-Villages appellations make wines that typically fall within the $10 to $15 range, while the region's 10 crus, which are generally a step up in quality, can be found at higher but still very affordable price-points, usually between $15 to $30.
Today's selection from some of my recent tastings is a mix of regional and cru bottlings, all under $30. The high-scorer is from Domaine de Fa, a winery founded in 2013 by the Northern Rhone's Graillot family. Their Roche Guillon 2016 is a single-vineyard wine from Fleurie, a cru located in the center of the region that boasts pink granite soils. The grapes underwent whole-cluster fermentation and semi-carbonic maceration, which gives the wine a juicy yet complex profile.
Just south of Fleurie is the cru of Morgon. Here, Gamay can take on a fleshier profile; the soils tend more toward schist and volcanic rock. For a plush style, try the Maison L'Envoyé Morgon 2016 from the Côte du Py vineyard.
DOMAINE DE FA Fleurie Roche Guillon 2016
A juicy yet complex light-bodied red, with mouthwatering acidity accentuating the steeped red cherry, raspberry tea and orange zest flavors. Accents of wild herb and mineral echo on the lightly tannic finish. Drink now through 2024. 300 cases imported.
CHÂTEAU DE BELLEVUE Fleurie 2016
A refreshing, savory aroma lingers through the cherry and dark currant notes of this zesty red, with hints of smoke, leather and spice casting into the herb-tinged finish. Shows light, grippy tannins. Drink now through 2022. 300 cases imported.
ALBERT BICHOT Fleurie La Madone 2015
Pureed strawberry, cherry and peach notes are elegant and supple in this light- to medium-bodied red, with orange blossom, spice and herb flavors dovetailing onto the long, perfumed finish. Offers light tannins. Drink now through 2021. 500 cases imported.
MAISON L'ENVOYÉ Morgon Côte du Py 2016
Plush tannins hug the cherry tart, red plum and spice box flavors of this medium-bodied red, with fresh acidity highlighting details of licorice, herb and mulberry on the finish. Drink now through 2023. 1,200 cases imported.
JEAN LORON St.-Amour La Victorine 2016
A creamy, fresh red, with a lovely texture encasing the pureed strawberry, peach and licorice spice flavors. Hints of peony and kirsch mark the finish. Features supple tannins. Drink now through 2023. 300 cases imported.
DOMAINE DES MARRANS Morgon Corcelette 2016
Light- to medium-bodied, with a ripe, peachy undertone to the juicy red plum and cherry notes flanked by mineral and dried herb details. Hints of ground anise and briar linger on the grippy finish. Drink now through 2023. 500 cases imported.
PAUL DURDILLY Beaujolais Les Grandes Coasses 2017
Tangy acidity highlights the wild currant and raspberry flavors detailed with underbrush and spice notes in this zesty, light-bodied red. Juicy and savory, with light tannins gripping the finish. Drink now through 2022. 600 cases imported.
CHÂTEAU DE PONCIÉ Fleurie Le Pré Roi 2016
Fresh and focused, featuring a stream of cherry, black raspberry and anise flavors that are lined with floral and mineral details. Clean, with light to moderate tannins on the finish. Drink now through 2020. 1,000 cases imported.
VIGNOBLES BULLIAT Moulin-à-Vent 2017
Youthful and focused, this red bursts with cherry, violet and apricot elements supported by light, integrated tannins and edged with licorice drop accents. Features a lip-smacking finish. Drink now through 2020. 800 cases imported.
LOUIS JADOT Beaujolais-Villages 2017
A creamy red, featuring a supple profile of pureed cherry, red plum and pomegranate edged with licorice and floral elements. Light tannins frame the tangy finish. Drink now through 2019. 169,000 cases imported.