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.

- Matt Nixson

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.

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.