Nicolas Potel 2023 Beaujolais-Village

The Wine

Summary: A vibrant, fruit-forward Gamay with silky tannins, floral aromatics, and a savory finish. Elegant yet easy drinking. 

Details: Crafted from 45-year-old Gamay vines grown on the granitic and schist-rich slopes of several plots that beautifully express the terroir of the Beaujolais-Villages appellation. The vineyards sit between 885 to 1,640 feet elevation and this higher positioning contributes freshness and aromatic lift.

The grapes are hand-harvested and vinified using traditional semi-carbonic maceration, with fermentation temperatures held between 22–25°C to preserve fruit purity. Aging takes place in stainless steel for 8–12 months, ensuring a clean, expressive style.

Tasting Notes: In the glass, the wine shows a deep garnet hue. Aromas of crushed strawberry, blackcurrant, and cherry mingle with violet, peony, leather, and a touch of pepper. The palate is lively and silky, balancing juicy red and dark berry fruit with bright acidity and soft tannins. It finishes clean and savory, with lingering notes of mineral spice and red fruit.

With 13% alcohol and a supple structure, this Beaujolais-Villages is ideal served slightly chilled. It pairs well with lamb tagine, grilled scallops, meat kebabs, pizza, duck, tofu, and barbecued chicken or pork. It’s a versatile choice for casual gatherings or relaxed dinners, offering both charm and structure. An ideal choice for the trad turkey dinner!

The Winery

Nicolas Potel is a well-respected name in Burgundy. Located just South of Burgundy, Beaujolais is home to the Gamay grape, and has built a global brand for itself (and this grape) across a wide range of price points. Nicolas brings the same precision and finesse to this Gamay as he does for his Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Burgundy. Here, he showcases the potential of Beaujolais-Villages - a giant step up in quality from the humble but ever-popular, Beaujolais Nouveau, but only a small step up in price. We like making such discoveries!