BEAUJOLAIS

Beaujolais is located just south of Burgundy in eastern France. Over the past half-century, international audiences have come to associate the area with the light, fruity Nouveau wines released just weeks after harvest. This is a serious underestimation, however, as the diverse granite soils and rolling hills here are home to the country’s finest Gamay. As in many French wine regions, the vineyards are divided into a quality hierarchy from basic Beaujolais to BeaujolaisVillages and to the top tier of ten cru villages. Wine from these areas, such as Morgon, Juliénas, and Saint-Amour, are prized for their bright fruit, overall elegance, and poise.

Domaine De Milhomme

Bernard Perrin was raised on his family’s Domaine de Milhomme estate in the Monts de Beaujolais area. As a trained oenologist, Bernard enjoyed transmitting his winemaking savvy to the young interns. This led him to start representing small, local domaines helping to craft their wines and sell them around the world. Domaine de Milhomme is now run by Bernard’s talented winemaker nephew, Manuel.

Chardonnay

$ 38 $ 228

Crémant de Bourgogne is made using the traditional method of secondary bottle fermentation, also employed in Champagne. The Chardonnay for this Blanc de Blancs cuvée hails from 40-year-old vineyards with stony clay-limestone soils. Large, rounded bubbles and a broad structure give this fruity sparkling wine a smooth palate profile. 2023-2025 –jb

12.5%

Floral, lemon, pear, biscuit

Pear, marzipan, fresh bread, [6.00]

Gruyère gougères

Gamay

The French word “mûrier” translates as mulberry. This is an apt cuvée name, as aromas of wild berries mingle with peppery and herbal hints on the nose. The palate is quite lean and taut, with very refreshing acidity and medium-weight tannins. Best served with light, savoury dishes, slightly chilled. 2023-2026 –jb

12.5%

Wild berries, cracked pepper, earthy

Raspberry, red currant, subtly savoury

Chicken tagine with apricots

Four generations of the Crozet family have carefully tended their vineyards in the Beaujolais village of Salles-Arbuissonnas. With panoramic views over the Beaujolais hills and Saône Valley, the estate spans six hectares of old-vine Gamay. Our mixed case of 2022 vintage Tradition and Vieilles Vignes wines is a great way to discover the stylistic range of this historic producer.

Domaine De Croifolie

Gamay

The estate describes the nose of this Tradition cuvée as “un panier de fruits,” a basket of fruit. This is certainly the case with ripe dark and red fruit notes combining on the velvety palate. Short aging of just five months in tank bolsters this youthful, fruit-driven profile. Discreet nutty flavours linger on the finish. 2023-2027 –jb

$ 36

$ 216

13.5%

Blackberry, blueberry, violet, baking spice

Red cherry, kirsch, almond

Puff pastry goat cheese with blackberry preserve

This unoaked, old vine cuvée is sourced from 65-year-old Gamay vines grown in granite and volcanic soils. The nose is vivid and fragrant with mixed red berry, floral, and spiced notes. Brisk acidity lifts the medium-bodied palate on this smooth, rounded red wine. 2023-2027 –jb

13.5%

Red cherry, raspberry, violet, cinnamon

Red cherry, raspberry, red plum, chocolate

Citrus-marinated carne asada

Ch Teau De Durette

Established in 2006, the 24-hectare Château de Durette is the passion project of a group of Beaujolais-loving friends. Their sustainably farmed vineyards span ten appellations from across the region. The winery is located in Régnié-Durette, from which the property draws its name. The focus here is on individual terroir expression, with an overarching stylistic bent toward perfumed, harmonious, structured wines.

We are delighted to offer two outstanding cru wines in this mixed case. The first from the granite slopes of Juliénas, in the northern Beaujolais, A Cru which produces fruity yet chunky, lightly spiced wines. Secondly, a Moulin-à-Vent, which, at a push, is the greatest of all the Beaujolais crus. Its wines are noteworthy for their floral depth and ageing potential.

4240 CHÂTEAU DE DURETTE CRU CASE: 3 BOTTLES EACH: JULIÉNAS AND MOULIN-À-VENT

$ 45 $ 270

CHÂTEAU DE DURETTE, COLLINE DE MOUILLES, AOP JULIÉNAS, 2022

Gamay

True to form, this is intense, aromatic, and spicy on the nose. A telling wave of luscious, roughhewn fruit follows (plum and strawberry), supported by super fine tannins, and plenty of acidity. The finish is a fruit bowl brimming with blackcurrant, blackberry, cherry and plum. Delicious now yet will only improve with a few years cellaring. 2024-2026–mp

14.5%

Black pepper, cinnamon, red plum, liquorice

Strawberry, red plum, blackcurrant, cherry

Cajun grilled shrimp with tropical fruit salsa

CHÂTEAU DE DURETTE, LES GIMARETS, AOP MOULIN-À-VENT, 2022

Gamay

Think more of Beaujolais!! A refined nose of boysenberry and freshly-baked bread. The palate shines with a generous dollop of red fruits (raspberry, red cherry, cranberry) and wet stone. Carefully judged acidity lifts this beyond a simple fruit bomb and provides freshness. The tannins are also beautifully aligned, with a silky edge that gives an unexpected parting shot to this fine Beaujolais. 2024-2026–mp

14.5%

Boysenberry, raspberry, red plum, fresh bread

Raspberry, cranberry, red cherry, crushed stones

Fried calamari with lemon aioli dip

The cru appellations of Régnié and Chénas tend to produce lighter, more early-drinking styles of Beaujolais but don’t let their delicate touch fool you. They can offer surprising depth and complexity. Another great comparative cru mixed case to discover!

4241

CHÂTEAU DE DURETTE CRU CASE: 3 BOTTLES EACH: RÉGNIÉ AND CHÉNAS

$ 41 $ 246

Located between Morgon and Côte de Brouilly, Régnié is prized for its pink granite soils which are said to give a certain spicy note to its wines. The “Les Bruyères” cuvée is highly aromatic, with baked red berry, floral, and baking spice notes. The palate is fresh, medium bodied, and moderately firm. Needs a little time to soften.

2023-2027 –jb

CHÂTEAU DE DURETTE, LES BRUYÈRES, AOP RÉGNIÉ, 2022

Gamay

13.5%

Baked red berries, peony, cinnamon, earthy

Raspberry, red cherry, earthy, savoury

Your favourite sushi selections

CHÂTEAU DE DURETTE, LES BRUREAUX, AOP CHÉNAS , 2022

Gamay

Chénas is located further north, bordered by Moulin-à-Vent and Juliénas. Les Brureaux is a particularly perfumed cuvée, with its intermingling of rose, peony, and wildflower notes over ripe dark fruits. The palate is satiny smooth and fresh, with an interesting nutty flavour that carries through the finish.

2023-2029 –jb

13.5%

Peony, rose, blackberry, cherry

Red and black berries, cherry, dried herbs

Neufchâtel cheese with toasted baguette