FRANCE: Beaujolais
2018 Gold 0 Silver 3 Bronze 3 Commended 4
2017 Gold 3 Silver 3 Bronze 2 Commended 7
Beaujolais is one of the most up and down parts of the Sommelier Wine Awards. It tends to be either several Golds (with lots of Silvers that could have been upgraded) or none at all. And sadly, this was a ‘down’ year.
There were some good wines – mostly cru wines – but again (and stop us if you’ve heard this before) the pricing is decidedly toppy. Two years ago we had two Gold cru wines under a tenner. It seems a long time ago. Though congrats to Château du Moulin-à-Vent, which seems to do well most years.
FROM THE TASTING TEAMS
‘We saw a step up with the crus. Beaujolais can be trendy, and the value for money is here. People will be blown away by the quality. Now, on the cru wines, it’s totally more in the Burgundy style.’ Lionel Periner, team leader
‘I’m smiling just talking about it. The full expression of Gamay when the producer has something more linked to terroir. It’s not just bubble gum, fruit and sugar, these are more serious wines, and very good value for money.’ Simon Cassina, Winexponent
‘Beaujolais is something that people should look for with Burgundy being so ridiculously expensive. I’m seeing a pick up in cru Beaujolais at the restaurant. It isn’t just all about freshness and youth, the crus should be taken seriously.’ Andrés Ituarte, Coq d’Argent
‘The first few [AC Beaujolais] wines were similar. Easy going, tutti frutti, gastropub style. The more expensive wines were more complex, but I’m not sure I’d pay this kind of money for them.’ Edgaras Kazokaitis, Roka Aldwych