Cellar Profile
Region
Beaujolais is the French wine region immediately to the south of Burgundy. Interestingly, some consider it to be part of Burgundy, while others do not. However, climactically, it is closer to the Rhône Valley and part of it falls within the northern Rhône-Alpes region. In the north, Beaujolais soils are granitic and sandy, ideal for growing juicy, vigorous Gamay Noir. In the southern parts of Beaujolais, where the soils are rich in limestone, high quality white grapes such as Auxerrois and Chardonnay can be grown.
Vineyard
Grown on Estate vineyards in the southern part of Beaujolais. The soil is a mix of silt, clay and rich loam. Farmed organically, with great respect for biodiversity in the vineyard.
Winemaking
Tasting Notes
Varieties
Chardonnay is the world's most famous white-wine grape and also one of the most widely-planted, with the most highly-regarded expressions of the variety coming from Burgundy and California. Climate plays a major role in dictating which fruit flavours a Chardonnay will have. Broadly speaking, warm regions such as California tend to give more tropical styles. While many Chardonnays have high aromatic complexity, this is usually due to winemaking techniques (particularly the use of oak) rather than the variety's intrinsic qualities. Malolactic fermentation gives distinctive buttery aromas. Fermentation and/or maturation in oak barrels contributes notes of vanilla, smoke and hints of sweet spices such as clove and cinnamon. Extended lees contact while in barrel imparts biscuity, doughy flavours.