A Breath of Renewal Sweeps the Hills of Beaujolais
A fresh breeze of renewal is blowing over the hills of Beaujolais. Young winemakers are taking the reins, bringing with them energy and passion. Their motto: disproving stereotypes and crafting quality wines that will delight palates.
We catch glimpses of them amidst rows of vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see. The generation in their thirties is taking over and making waves. About fifty new installations have sprung up in the past 7 years. As in many French wine regions, young winemakers are enthusiastically taking up the torch, infusing creativity, and revitalizing the reputation of Beaujolais wines.
Youthful Talents Reinventing the Winemaking Craft
Full of ideas, they bring innovative projects with them. Wearing their boots, they embark on this exhilarating and demanding adventure with energy, aiming to make wine in their own way. Whether native to the region or newcomers, they hold dear the heritage passed down through generations, and it’s easy to understand why. How can one not be in awe of the ochre-tinted landscapes of the “Golden Stones Country,” earning it the sweet nickname of “Little Beaujolais Tuscany”?
Beaujolais Wines: Between Tradition and Renewal
Inheriting the know-how of their predecessors and inspired by models explored during their travels abroad, they bring modernity and technology along. They manage their enterprises from their computers, enhance their reputation by posting on social media, and sell their products online.
They are globally oriented and networked. They help each other and readily share their experiences with fellow winemakers to develop and refine their practices.
A Deeper Connection with Nature
What particularly resonates with our young winemakers is adopting a healthier lifestyle, living outdoors, and harmonizing with nature. They work on smaller plots and increasingly consider the environment. Aligned with the seasons, they advocate for sustainable farming that respects life and soil. Chemical herbicides are now giving way to mechanical soil work, for example.
A Wine to Share
Organic, sulfite-free… these more sustainable wines are rising in quality and dispelling the image of industrial wine often associated with Beaujolais. This rediscovered quality convinces consumers who enjoy these fresh, light, and low-alcohol wines to share among friends without fuss, purely for pleasure. A bright future is taking shape on the hills of Beaujolais…