Beaujolais-Villages Cuvée des Beaux Jours 2020

Wine Description for Beaujolais-Villages Cuvée des Beaux Jours 2020 by François de Nicolay

Colour & Appearance

Luminous, deep cherry red with seductive violet reflections – a wine that already promises much in the glass.

Nose

The nose is dark, dense and at the same time disarmingly accessible. Violet, hibiscus and pansy open the play, before an opulent fruit layer of elderberry, blackberry, morello cherry and blackcurrant follows. A hint of sloe lends depth, whilst liquorice, mint and a subtle herbal spice elegantly round off the bouquet.

Palate

On the palate, a captivating juiciness unfolds, which immediately captivates. The fruit takes a more restrained stance here than on the nose – more precise, more focused. A crisp, lively acidity cuts through the flesh time and again with surgical precision, keeping the wine in constant motion. The result is a Beaujolais of remarkable tautness and clarity, one that empties the glass faster than intended.

Finish

The aftertaste is medium-length and characterised by a pleasant note of menthol, which keeps the dark fruit cool and elegant in check. A fresh, clean finish without compromise.

Terroir & Origin

The vines stand on a subsoil of sand and granite – classic Beaujolais terroir, which gives Gamay its mineral backbone freshness. With a remarkable planting density of 10,000 vines per hectare and a yield of around 40 hl/ha, François de Nicolay demonstrates a clear commitment to quality.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pure Gamay from thirty-year-old vines, vinified as whole-bunch maceration for just under three weeks – completely without added sulphur. Ageing takes place for eight months in tank, which preserves the fruit brilliantly fresh and unadulterated. The 2020 vintage marks the beginning of the transition to organic viticulture.

Food Pairing Suggestions

A versatile companion: excellent with braised rabbit with celery, tomato and olive, equally convincing with rice noodles with porcini mushrooms and pickled red onions or aubergine gnocchi alla Parmigiana.

Special Features

A Beaujolais-Villages that effortlessly transcends the cliché of its appellation: crafted with precision, expressive and of genuine character depth. Anyone wishing to experience Gamay in its most natural, most vibrant form will find it here.