2023 Bernard Metrat Moulin a Vent La Belle Coudriere, Beaujolais

Bernard Métrat Moulin-à-Vent La Belle Coudrière is a beautifully structured and expressive Cru Beaujolais that brings depth, spice, and elegance to the fore. Sourced from old Gamay vines rooted in the granite-rich soils of Moulin-à-Vent—widely considered the most age-worthy of the Beaujolais crus—this wine shows a seriousness and finesse that goes far beyond the playful stereotype often attached to the region.

Bernard Métrat is a respected name in Beaujolais, farming sustainably and crafting wines that are precise and transparent. La Belle Coudrière comes from a single parcel with excellent sun exposure and poor, well-drained soils that naturally limit yields and concentrate flavour. The winemaking is traditional yet gentle—semi-carbonic maceration, indigenous yeast fermentation, and ageing in a combination of concrete and old oak, letting the fruit and terroir lead the way.

In the glass, it opens with aromas of black cherry, wild raspberry, crushed violets, pepper, and a touch of forest floor. The palate is medium bodied with silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and a savoury mineral undertone. It’s a wine that combines the charm of Gamay with the structure and longevity often compared to good Burgundy.

Ideal with roast duck, mushroom dishes, or charcuterie, La Belle Coudrière is a brilliant example of just how refined and cellar-worthy Cru Beaujolais can be.