The region that has it all: Beaujolais

LOCATED in east-central France, between the Rhone and Burgundy regions, Beaujolais is 34 miles long and seven to nine miles wide, with a diverse landscape and a continental climate influenced by the Med. The northern half features rolling hills with granite-based soils which produce structured, complex wines, while the southern half is flatter with sandstone and clay-based soils for lighter, fruitier wines. No wonder it's often described as the region that has it all.

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Beaujolais' signature red grape, gamay, has been planted there since the 17th century and now covers 98% of areas under grape cultivation equal to more than half of all the gamay grown worldwide. Related to pinot noir, it's a vigorous, hardy vine, typically producing fruity, easy-drinking and light to medium-bodied reds with delicate floral aromas, subtle earthy scents and tart red fruit flavours.

Light-bodied gamays respond well to chilling, coming to life in a way that makes them ideal for spring and summer drinking but don't overdo it. Half an hour or so in the fridge is generally enough to freshen the flavours.