Les Crus du Beaujolais Moulin-à-vent La Rochelle

Moulin à Vent is called the king of Beaujolais. This is the Cru with the greatest cellaring potential and that resembles its Burgundian neighbors the most. After a few years in the bottle, it is sometimes said to “pinote” or take on Pinot Noir characteristics. This cuvée is the expression of an alliance between finesse and power. La Rochelle is one of the terroirs most suited to cellaring in the Moulin à Vent appellation area, it is concentrated and powerful with a broad palette of aromas and great complexity.

Personality of the cuvee

History of the cuvée: purchased in 2002 by Martine and Pierre-Marie Chermette, the vineyard at La Rochelle overlooks the famous antique moulin à vent or windmill that gives the appellation its name. It is southeast facing with a subsoil rich in manganese, giving the wine quite a noble disposition. This Moulin à Vent requires some time to peak and can be laid down for 10 to 15 years.

From the vine to the glass

Grape variety: the 2 ha (5 acre) plot at La Rochelle in the Moulin à Vent appellation area is planted with Gamay. The soil is varied granite with manganese. Integrated, eco-friendly vinegrowing, goblet pruning, manual harvest at peak ripeness. Traditional vinification of Beaujolais: half-carbonic maceration with two pumping per day, maceration of 10 to 12 days in vats, no chaptalization, minimum of SO2.

Food and wine pairings

All red meats and all poultry. It combines very well with dishes with morels.