Beaujolais, a French Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) wine, is predominantly crafted from the Gamay grape, characterised by its thin skin and low tannin content. As is customary with most AOC wines, it eschews varietal labelling. Beaujolais is renowned for its light-bodied red wine profile, boasting relatively elevated acidity levels. Interestingly, certain vintages yield more wine than the combined output of the Burgundy wine regions of Chablis, Côte d'Or, Côte Chalonnaise, and Mâconnais.

The nomenclature of this wine pays homage to the historical Province of Beaujolais, a prolific wine-producing region situated north of Lyon. Encompassing portions of the Rhône department, the Rhône-Alpes region, and southern sections of Saône-et-Loire in Burgundy, it holds administrative ties to Burgundy but exhibits a climate more akin to the Rhône. Beaujolais stands distinct in character, gaining international recognition for its longstanding winemaking tradition, utilisation of carbonic maceration, and the contemporary appeal of the Beaujolais nouveau.

The maximum yield for Cru Beaujolais wine is capped at 48 hl/ha. Characterised by a fuller body, darker hue, and extended ageing potential, the Beaujolais crus, from north to south, comprise Saint-Amour, Juliénas, Chénas, Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie, Chiroubles, Morgon, Régnié, Brouilly, and Côte de Brouilly. This month’s wine is Fleurie Cru Beaujolais; this cru is known for it’s floral bouquet and medium ageing potential.

"Everyone in the world of wine has a story to tell. The motivation is often the same, but the experience is always very personal. The wines I make tell my story and are a reflection of all the lessons I have learnt along the way. Reed Wines are single vineyard expressions made by Sierra Reed in Geelong Victoria. Always an inquisitive and enthusiastic drinker, Sierra’s journey in wine began in New Zealand whilst filming with the Family of Twelve. Interviewing those leading families of New Zealand wine inspired her to change her life and begin the journey from wine drinker to winemaker. A complete immersion in winemaking followed with a rapid succession of vintages as a global nomad in Paso Robles (Hearst Ranch Winery), the Yarra Valley (Domaine Chandon), the Napa Valley (Pina), the Barossa Valley (Head Wines), Central Otago (Rippon), Beaujolais (Domain du Vissoux), the Grampians (Mount Langi Ghiran), the Napa Valley (Hunnicutt Winery), Barolo (E. Pira & Figli - Chiara Boschis), Beaujolais again (Domain du Vissoux), Geelong (Lethbridge Wines) and Rheingau (Robert Weil). The journey has left a series of lasting lessons, provided many inspirations and also created lifelong friendships. It has also led to Sierra making her first Reed-labelled wines in the 2015 vintage. Sierra’s hope is that you seek out her wines and that they bring you as much joy in their drinking as they have to her in their making.

This wine screams of its mother place Beaujolais and of the teachings of my greatest mentor Pierre Marie Chermette. Fleurie captures the purity and beauty that is Gamay and this wine is living that truth. Tart red fruits, delicate but present acid and loads of perfume shape this wine. If this wine could speak, its wisdom would educate you and its juvenile nature would charm you."

– Sierra Reed