Beaujolais Blanc is a white wine made entirely from the Chardonnay grape in the Beaujolais region of France. The area is known mainly for its red wine production featuring Gamay; however, the real secret is the white wine made here from Chardonnay. Thanks to their quality and value, I’m sure they won’t remain a secret for much longer.
Chardonnay from the Beaujolais region of France is prized for minerality and fresh acidity, offering a crisp and refreshing expression on the palate. The wines are typically unoaked, allowing the grape’s natural flavors to shine.
Compared to other Chardonnay produced worldwide, Beaujolais Blanc is quite a different animal. Chardonnay from California, Australia, and to a lesser degree Burgundy, are often characterized by the toasty, buttery notes created by the use of oak barrels and extended malolactic influence during fermentation and aging.
Chardonnay from California features nuances of tropical fruit and distinctly buttery flavors due partly to the warm growing climate and the overt use of oak barrels during aging. On the other hand,
Chardonnay from Burgundy tends to be more mineral-driven, features more brightness, and is often aged in well-used oak barrels, giving it a more complex flavor profile.
In contrast, Chardonnay from the Beaujolais is typically unoaked, resulting in a wine that highlights the natural flavors of the grape rather than the flavors imparted by the oak. The result is a more refreshing and crisp style of Chardonnay, appealing to wine lovers looking for a more delicate and nuanced Chardonnay that’s also reasonably priced.
Beaujolais climate and terroir are ideal for growing Chardonnay, yielding wines that are nicely rich on the palate yet framed with a fresh lift of acidity and minerality. You can expect notes of ripe yellow and red apples, white peaches, citrus fruit, and, occasionally, a whisper of hazelnut. They’re delightful on their own or will pair like a champ with a variety of dishes, including seafood, poultry, and pasta.
Beaujolais Blanc is one of the top go-to Chardonnays for Hammond and me. Some Beaujolais Blanc is so similar in style and flavor profile to Burgundy that it’s nearly impossible to tell the difference between them! It’s an excellent alternative to other Chardonnays from France and a wonderfully affordable option for any Burgundy lover.