Our winegrowers from Beaujolais
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Beaujolais, cradle of natural wine
The Beaujolais vineyard extends from the south of Mâcon to the north of Lyon where the Gamay grape variety is king. Only 3% of Chardonnay is planted in the region. Clay-limestone soil in the south where we find mainly the Beaujolais and Beaujolais-villages appellations, while further north, the sandy and granite soils are home to the 10 Beaujolais crus: Saint-Amour, Juliénas, Chénas, Moulin à Vent, Fleurie, Chiroubles, Morgon, Régnié, Côte de Brouilly and Brouilly. Here is a famous memory device in the region to remember the 10 names: "Alors Je Cherche Mon Frère Chez Ma Respectable Cousine Berthe". The first letter of each word refers to a cru where Gamay is expressed in a different way. Beaujolais is reputed to be the cradle of natural wine thanks in particular to the impetus launched by Jules Chauvet and Marcel Lapierre in the 80s when the philosophy was rather towards industrialization and intensive cultivation of the vine. By studying indigenous yeasts that can allow natural fermentation among other things, they slowly brought together winegrowers like Jean-Paul Thévenet (Paul Po), Guy Breton (P'tit Max) and Jean Foillard. Called the "Gang of Four" by Kermit Lynch, a famous American importer of natural wine, the gang of 4 grew and brought together Yvon Métras, Jean-Claude Chanudet (the cat), Robert Denogent, Georges Descombes (the Noun' ), Jean-Claude Lapalu, etc... Until crossing the vineyards of France and the world today. A true soil wine, Beaujolais and its Gamay can be expressed in many ways, most often with joyful, friendly and festive drinkability thanks to gourmet and generous juices, just like the people who make it and this magnificent region. Pleasure guaranteed!
