Beaujolais Region:

Question 1

What is the main grape variety grown in Beaujolais?

Answer 1

Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc

Question 2

What is the typical style of Gamay?

Answer 2

High acidity, low to medium tannins, red fruit (raspberry, cherry), sometimes banana/kirsch with carbonic maceration

Question 3

What is the climate of Beaujolais?

Answer 3

Moderate continental, warmer than Burgundy

Question 4

What are the risks in Beaujolais vineyards?

Answer 4

Hail (especially in the north), spring frost, drought in warm years

Question 5

What soil type is best for Gamay?

Answer 5

Granite and schist (low fertility, good drainage)

Question 6

What traditional training system is used in Beaujolais?

Answer 6

Goblet (especially for hand harvesting)

Question 7

What is carbonic maceration?

Answer 7

Whole bunches fermented in a CO₂-rich environment, producing fruity, low-tannin wines.

Question 8

What kind of aromas are associated with carbonic maceration?

Answer 8

Banana, bubblegum, kirsch, candied fruit

Question 9

Which style is typically made using carbonic maceration?

Answer 9

Beaujolais Nouveau and many Beaujolais AOC wines.

Question 10

What method is used for more serious Beaujolais Crus?

Answer 10

Traditional fermentation: destemmed, longer maceration, some oak use

Question 11

What are the three main quality levels in Beaujolais?

Answer 11

Beaujolais AOC, Beaujolais-Villages AOC, Beaujolais Crus

Question 12

How many villages are included in Beaujolais-Villages AOC?

Answer 12

38 authorized villages

Question 13

How many Crus are in Beaujolais?

Answer 13

10 Crus

Question 14

Can Beaujolais Nouveau be made from Cru vineyards?

Answer 14

No – only from Beaujolais AOC or Beaujolais-Villages

Question 15

Which Cru is known as the “King” of Beaujolais?

Answer 15

Moulin-à-Vent – full-bodied, structured, age-worthy

Question 16

Which Cru is considered the “Queen” of Beaujolais?

Answer 16

Fleurie – floral, elegant, light-bodied

Question 17

Which Cru produces the most structured and earthy wines similar to Pinot Noir?

Answer 17

Morgon – complex, can age well

Question 18

Which is the lightest and most aromatic Cru?

Answer 18

Chiroubles – floral, fresh, drink young

Question 19

Which Cru has volcanic soils and produces intense, mineral wines?

Answer 19

Côte de Brouilly

Question 20

What is the largest Cru by volume?

Answer 20

Brouilly – juicy, fruity, early-drinking

Question 21

Which Cru is the smallest in area?

Answer 21

Chénas – rare, structured

Question 22

Which Cru is the newest, recognized in 1988

Answer 22

Régnié – soft, fruity

Question 23

Which Cru is named after Julius Caesar

Answer 23

Juliénas – spicy, floral, firm

Question 24

Which Cru produces soft, fruity, early-drinking wines and shares a romantic name?

Answer 24

St-Amour

Question 25

How long is Beaujolais Nouveau intended to age?

Answer 25

Not at all – drink within 6 months

Question 26

When is Beaujolais Nouveau released each year?

Answer 26

The 3rd Thursday of November

Question 27

What are the key characteristics of Beaujolais Nouveau?

Answer 27

Light-bodied, fruity, low tannin, banana and kirsch notes from carbonic maceration

Question 28

What distinguishes Beaujolais AOC from Beaujolais-Villages AOC?

Answer 28

AOC is from southern clay soils (simpler wines); Villages is from better sites (more structure and complexity)

Question 29

Why don’t Cru Beaujolais wines mention “Beaujolais” on the label?

Answer 29

Because each Cru is its own AOC – labeled with village name only (e.g., Morgon, Fleurie)

Question 30

Which Crus have the best aging potential?

Answer 30

Moulin-à-Vent, Morgon, Chénas (5–10+ years)