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Brouilly AOC : red wine from the Beaujolais

Brouilly is the appellation of a red wine that has been recognized as AOC since the ratification of the decree of October 19th in 1983 by the Institut National de l’Appellation d’Origine (INAO). This appellation is situated in the Rhône-department, around the Mont Brouilly in Beaujolais.

Brouilly is produced on the West hillside of the Mont Brouilly which is completly planted with vines. This production aera is the most important part of the total surface of the Beaujolais wineyards since it accounts for more than 20% of the surface. The 10 Crus from this wine region are : Saint- Amour , Julienas , Chénas , Moulin - à - Vent , Fleurie , Chiroubles , Morgon , Régnié , Brouilly and Côte de Brouilly. The production of red wine is mainly located in the municipalities of Cercie , Odenas , Charentay, Quincie - en-Beaujolais , Saint-Lager and Saint-Étienne-la-Varenne.

One of the most important trumps of this red wine is the exclusively manual grape harvest. The most important grape variety used in the production is Gamay Noir. Winegrowers can also add other varieties like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Aligoté and Melon but only within a limit of 15% of the total.

Gamay remains the most used and appropriated grape for the production of a quality Brouilly. This grape variety is less powerful, but very fertile and produces quality grapes for rubyred wines with aroma’s of red fruits, liquorice and a light floral note of peony. The red Beaujolais wine is appreciated for its freshness and is being served at a temperature of 16°C.