2019 Beaujolais

This comes from a parcel of 60-year-old vines grown on the granite slopes of Mont Brouilly. These volcanic soils produce a wonderfully persistent style of Beaujolais, with the charming strawberry and cherry fruits on the nose. The palate abounds with dark juicy fruit and ripe, grippy tannins and a vibrat length. This has the structure to age extremely well.

Compared to its neighbour, Morgon, Régnié is one of the less well-known crus in Beaujolais. But when well made, its wines are fragrant and light, with a tasty acidity and fine structure, thanks to the granitic soils and slight elevation. Breton’s 2019 is a case in point: pale, 12.5%, lightly scented, and wonderfully thirst-quenching.

This cuvée is all about freshness and elegance. It is lively and delicate, with pretty violet notes on the nose. There is succulent and surprising depth to the raspberry fruit of the palate. And whilst delicate, it has a refreshing frame derived from its elevation and granitic and schist soils, making it a quintessential example of Chiroubles, the highest of the Beaujolais crus, and of the Breton style.

This is consistently one of the finest cuvées in Jean-Claude’s line-up, and in 2019 it is truly excellent. 80% whole bunch fruit in this blend results in a pretty style, which is concentrated but also so fresh and lively with raspberry and blueberry fruits. The tender fruits on the palate culminate in a long finish with some distinguishing structure beneath. Tannins and fruit are harmoniously balanced here. Poised, with granitic minerality; a classical and delicious Brouilly.