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 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.