Basic Beaujolais should be simply fresh, purple coloured, juicy fruit wine. But unfortunately most Beaujolais falls short of even these low standards, mainly because of the vinification methods and the sheer volume produced - 2 1/2 times the entire red and white production of the rest of Burgundy!

Quite a step up from basic Beaujolais though is Beaujolais Villages. Made from 100% Gamay, they can be blended from any 2 of up to 38 different villages in the region. They must adhere to higher standards and quality control. Many of the best examples rival the quality of the cru's, Fleurie, Morgon etc. having more body, character, complexity and elegence than simple Beaujolais and representing all the excitement of the Gamay grape at its best.

From a tiny vineyard of only 15 ha, Olivier Depardon's wines continue to win awards and rave reviews in France and worldwide. The vineyard has been in the family since 1848, under Olivier's control since 1988, when he refined working methods drastically. Harvesting is by hand, his wines also receive oak ageing, sometimes up to 8 months for his cru's, setting them apart from the masses , through their rich, full bodied character.

Food Match: salads, pork, cold meats.