Juliénas Cru Beaujolais

Juliénas is considered one of the most powerful of the ten Beaujolais Crus — more structured and age-worthy than many of its neighbors, yet never cumbersome. Château Fuissé, primarily known as the top dog in Pouilly-Fuissé, proves here that the house also knows what it's doing in the Beaujolais.

The AOC Juliénas covers 585 hectares on granite and clay soils in the north of the Beaujolais. Gamay on these soils produces wines with real bite — more depth, more texture than one might expect from Beaujolais. This shows in the glass: blackberry and dark cherry in the foreground, plus violets and a hint of pepper spice. The tannins are present but supple; the acidity carries the wine without stinging.

Serving temperature 14–16 °C. It unfolds particularly well with some air in the glass. Pairs well with Coq au Vin, grilled lamb chops with herbs of Provence, or a strong Chaource.