Wine on the Radio - November 15, 2004

Beaujolais Region                           Beaujolais Picks

Are you on the lookout for a good, everyday wine? Check out the wines of Beaujolais for everyday. It's a region with a long and great history, and it's mostly known for the Beaujolais Nouveau released every November; but it's more than that.

Gamay is the grape, and its claim to fame is its aromatic juicy fleshiness and its easy handling. The wines are fruity, soft, a little lower in alcohol and ready to drink right off the shelf. They're typically light with a floral aroma and berry-like flavor . . . and unlike their neighbors in Burgundy, they're not pricey either.

Most common on the shelf are labeled Beaujolais Villages or, a tad more interesting, specific place names like Brouilly or Morgon. Serve them with lighter foods, like chicken and fish, and as an everyday alternative sipper to more elegant Pinot Noir.

Don't overlook under appreciated Beaujolais as your own 'house wine.'

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Beaujolais Region . . . All Prices Approximate

Duboeuf 2002 Beaujolais Villages $9

Made entirely from the Gamay grape, this wine is pleasant, tender, light and always with the taste of fresh crushed grapes

 

2002 Maison Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages $8   
Forward fruit flavors beautifully complimented by notes of brown spice, particularly cinnamon, and sweet dried currant

 

Joseph Drouhin 2002 Brouilly $15
One of the most famous Crus of Beaujolais

 

2002 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Cru Fleurie $14

WS 91 points, Violet, blackberry and boysenberry aromas and flavors unfurl in this silky, lush Fleurie, with extra notes of spice, toast, vanilla and minerals. Fruit echoes on the long, pure finish. Really, really fine

 

2003 Viornery Beaujolais Cru Cote Brouilly $18

WA 90 points, A hedonist’s dream, it bursts from the glass with big, juicy blueberries, black raspberries and violets. Medium-bodied, harmonious, rich, and oily-textured, its sensual, sexy character is awash in plush blue and red fruits

 

2003 Dom. Calot Beaujolais Cru Morgon $22

WA 87 points, This Morgon sports a ruby color and a nose of dark pit fruits, grapes, as well as stones. Lovely black cherry flavors appear in its velvety-textured attack before giving way to a somewhat tannic finish