Moulin-à-vent
The Moulin-à-vent appellation is one of the ten emblematic Beaujolais crus, along with Brouilly, Chénas, Chiroubles, Côte de Brouilly, Fleurie, Juliénas, Morgon, Régnié and Saint-Amour. A windmill overlooking the hillside in the village of Romanèche-Thorins gave the appellation its name. The vines are rooted in granitic soils, which are widespread in the Beaujolais region. Carbonic maceration and concrete vats are widely in the winemaking of the appellation’s Gamay wines, before several months of ageing in oak barrels. On the palate, notes of red fruit such as strawberry and raspberry, as well as soft spices, come to the fore. The great tannin structure of these wines means they can be left to mature for many years in the cellar. Names to look out for are Château des Jacques, Georges Duboeuf, Philippe Pacalet, Jules Desjourneys, Yvon Métras, Mee Godard, and at softer price points Clos de la Roilette, Domaine Richard Rottiers and Domaine A.F.. Gros.
