Louis Jadot 2014 Beaujolais-Villages

Looking for a smooth sipper? Get your game on with Gamay. Looking beyond Beaujolais Nouveau has its rewards.

Burgundy With A Twist

The twin powers of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay rule most of France’s famed Burgundy region. In Beaujolais, located in the southern part of Burgundy, things are different.

The granite-laden soil is ideal for Gamay. No other region in the world comes close to producing great wine from this red grape.

Relax – It’s Gamay

Gamay is an easy-going grape. It has soft, rounded edges without the barriers of oaky tannins. Part of it is achieved through the use of carbonic maceration. This technique, perfected in Beaujolais, ferments most of the wine inside the grapes, which are crushed by gravity and their own weight. Maybe this is why Gamay is so mellow – they bypass the process of pressing and crushing the juice out of the grapes first.

On a relaxing evening, the Green Dragon and I uncorked the 2014 Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages. Beaujolais Villages is an AOC in the northern part of the region comprised of 39 villages with superior vineyards.

Some call Beaujolais a white wine that’s red in color because of its refreshing quality. It also drinks well slightly chilled. The carbonic maceration used in most Beaujolais wines accents the fruity flavors of the grape with miniscule tannins.

The Inside Sip

The Louis Jadot is a delicious bargain at an SRP of only $13.99. It is medium in body and full in juicy red berry flavors. It works well with light meat entrees and we found it enjoyable as an after dinner bottle.

I’d also recommend this to wine lovers who favor juicy flavors over more austere, earthy wines. For those new to French wines, this is a great starting point. It offers easy to understand goodness at a great price point.

Full disclosure: We received this wine as a marketing sample.

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