2021 Stéphane Aviron Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

This wine is sourced from two of the best terroirs of the appellation, both with old vines averaging at least 50 years in age. The vines in the commune of Quincié have sandy, granite soils and the commune of Lantignié has clay and limestone soils with favorable southwest exposure.

Whole clusters of grapes are fermented, and then macerated for six days to extract characters of fruit and finesse. The wine is aged in cement tanks to retain the purity of the fresh fruit. The wine shows great finesse, elegance and a very “easy drinking” nature.

Deep dark red in colour with black shaded edges and a vibrant red hue. Quite perfumed the nose offers up violet, red cherry, raspberry, incense, earthy fresh herb and spice notes. Light in body and possessing ample freshness the palate has an energetic flavour profile of red cherries infused with earth and dried herbs followed by subtle infusions of incense and spice. Bright acidity with polished tannins and a savoury dried herb laced finish.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Stéphane Aviron has adopted an almost radical return to tradition in Beaujolais: sustainable viticulture, extremely old vines and classic Burgundian techniques. His cru Beaujolais drink like fine Burgundy.

Historically considered “poor man’s Burgundy,” a modern movement toward fruity, simple, quaffing wines boosted sales but eroded the region’s traditional quality. Stéphane Aviron has reversed the trend. By focusing on the Beaujolais village crus, the best sites for unique, expressive wines, and finding old parcels of vines, Aviron creates very expressive, age-worthy wines relying on traditional and new methods, including organic and biodynamic vineyard management. All wines are labeled “Vieilles Vignes,” old vines, because the vines are at least 40 years old. Stéphane Aviron’s wines are authentic in every way.