Beaujolais Blanc: An Unsung Hero
/It's still a surprise to many that there is actually a Beaujolais Blanc appellation. Beaujolais is synonymous with lighter, slightly confected, red wines made from the Gamay grape, but there is small production of Chardonnay.
Jean-Paul Brun is one of my favourite Beaujolais producers. In good vintages his Morgon & Moulin-a-Vent Beaujolais Cru's will happily mature for over 15 years. Turning a little fruity Beaujolais into a top notch mature red burgundy with all the hallmarks of a Cote de Nuits Pinot Noir but at a fraction of the price.
His Beaujolais Blanc 2009 is surprisingly still going strong, but that's because 2009 was such an amazing vintage. It's still has fresh acidity, lots of classic green apple, lemon fruit flavours but it's definitely mature. For my money It easily stands toe to toe with Macon Villages, it's more illustrious neighbours to the north and with richer Limoux Wines from the the Languadoc.
Although it rarely escapes France for others to enjoy. If you can find it I urge you to try a bottle. I think it's a great value every day drinking Chardonnay, for under 10 bucks
