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Easy-Drinking, Delicious, and French—Meet the Best Beaujolais Wines You'll Love

Thu, Mar 20, 25

You know that moment when you stumble across something so good, so effortlessly enjoyable, that you almost don’t want to tell anyone else about it? That’s Beaujolais wines.

For way too long, these incredible wines have been overshadowed by big-name French players like Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Champagne. But let me fill you in on a little secret: best Beaujolais wines are some of the most delicious, vibrant, and food-friendly wines you'll ever try. They’re like that friend who's classy enough for dinner parties but chill enough for backyard barbecues.

Most folks know Beaujolais for its juicy, chillable reds made from the Gamay grape. But did you know the region also produces an amazing white wine from Chardonnay? If you haven't tried one yet, you're seriously missing out.

From bright, zippy whites to luscious, fruity reds, here are four bottles of Beaujolais that prove this underrated region deserves your attention—right now. 

A Quick Sip of the Beaujolais Story

Just south of the famed Burgundy region, you'll find Beaujolais—an area known for its laid-back, playful personality, thanks largely to the Gamay grape. Unlike its fancy neighbors, Beaujolais wines are all about freshness, fruit, and drinkability. Many winemakers here embrace traditional, minimal-intervention practices, making Beaujolais a favorite among natural wine lovers.

Sure, every November "Beaujolais Nouveau Day" pops up, celebrating the youngest wines from the region. But trust me, Beaujolais goes way beyond just the Nouveau hype. There's depth, quality, and plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Speaking of hidden gems, let’s talk about our top picks. 

Best Beaujolais Wines You’ve Got to Try

Domaine Dupeuble Beaujolais Blanc

Crisp, bright, and mineral-driven, this 100% Chardonnay is a hidden treasure of Beaujolais. It’s packed with flavors of green apple, citrus, and pear, with a touch of creaminess that makes it beautifully balanced. If you love the finesse of French white wines like Chablis, this is right up your alley.

Food Pairing: Sushi, grilled snapper, or goat cheese salads. Serve well-chilled to enhance its crisp, refreshing character. 

Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages

Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages bursts from the glass with juicy layers of ripe raspberries, bright cherries, and wild strawberries, kissed by a subtle whisper of spice. Velvety smooth and refreshingly lively, it's an effortlessly charming sip that's inviting from the first taste to the lingering finish.

Food Pairing: Rotisserie chicken, tomato-based pastas, and grilled burgers. Chill for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance its refreshing character. 

Marcel Lapierre Raisins Gaulois

Fresh, playful, and irresistibly juicy, this wine bursts with bright flavors of ripe strawberries and sun-kissed raspberries, mingled with delicate hints of earthiness. Light-bodied, refreshingly low in alcohol, yet brimming with vibrant character—it's the bottle you'll effortlessly reach for again and again.

Food Pairing: Pair this fruity, low-tannin Beaujolais with BBQ chicken, grilled burgers, charcuterie boards, or spicy tacos—and serve chilled (45-50°F) for maximum refreshment. 

Château de la Chaize Brouilly

For those who enjoy French reds with depth and structure, this Brouilly Cru Beaujolais is a step up. It’s silky and expressive, with flavors of red cherries, wild berries, and warm spices like nutmeg and clove. The tannins are soft, the acidity is fresh, and it’s just effortlessly elegant.

Food Pairing: Duck with cherry sauce, wild mushroom risotto, or aged cheeses like Comté or Brie—and serve it slightly chilled (55°F) to enhance its lively character. 

The Secret to Enjoying Beaujolais Wines

Here’s the thing about Beaujolais wines: they’re super easygoing, totally delicious, and meant to be enjoyed without any fuss. You don’t have to overthink these bottles—just pop one open, pour a glass, and enjoy.

One thing about the best Beaujolais wines is how incredibly food-friendly they are. Whether you're eating sushi on the patio, burgers at a backyard BBQ, or duck at your next dinner party, Beaujolais is always a perfect fit. Plus, they're seriously affordable—think of them as your wallet-friendly alternative to pricier French wines like Burgundy.

So, if you haven't gotten to know Beaujolais yet, now’s your moment. Your next favorite bottle is just a click away. Check out Arlington Wine and Liquor for more wine varieties!

Cheers to discovering something deliciously new and effortlessly French! 

People Also Asked

1. Where is Beaujolais, France? 

Beaujolais is located in eastern France, positioned just below the famous Burgundy region. It stretches from the town of Mâcon down toward Lyon, covering picturesque rolling hillsides, charming villages, and vineyards along the Saône River valley. 


2. Where is the Beaujolais Wine Region? 

The Beaujolais wine region occupies the southernmost part of Burgundy in eastern France, starting near Mâcon and extending southwards toward Lyon. It’s distinctively separated from northern Burgundy by its unique soil types, grape variety (Gamay), and vibrant, approachable wine style. 


3. Is Beaujolais a Red Wine? 

Yes, Beaujolais is predominantly known as a red wine region. Nearly all red Beaujolais wines are made exclusively from the Gamay grape, producing fruity, fresh, and vibrant wines. However, the region also produces small quantities of crisp, high-quality white wines made from Chardonnay. 


4. Is Beaujolais a Good Wine? 

Absolutely! The best Beaujolais wines are highly regarded for their quality, freshness, and food-friendly nature. While the region became famous for simple, youthful wines like Beaujolais Nouveau, it also produces high-quality Cru Beaujolais wines—complex, structured, and age-worthy reds—that wine experts and enthusiasts greatly appreciate. 


5. Is Beaujolais Wine Sweet? 

Generally, no. Beaujolais wines are typically dry, fruity, and refreshing, with bright acidity and very little residual sugar. While their juicy, fruit-forward style may taste slightly sweet to some, they’re not sweet wines by definition. 


6. What Does Beaujolais Wine Taste Like? 

Beaujolais wines are fresh, lively, and fruit-driven, offering flavors like bright cherries, ripe raspberries, strawberries, and sometimes subtle earthy or spicy notes. They have low tannins, refreshing acidity, and a smooth, easy-drinking style that makes them incredibly versatile and enjoyable, especially when served slightly chilled. 

By krishnan@mitresources.com