2023 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Villages, Beaujolais

Juicy and generous for a basic Beaujolais, with stacks of red cherry and blackcurrant pastille character. The restrained tannins support the medium-bodied palate nicely and give this some backbone without sacrificing the lightness of touch we associate with this appellation. Drink now.

90 points jamessuckling.com

Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais-Villages is a classic expression of Gamay from one of the world’s most famous names in Beaujolais. The fruit is sourced from vineyards across several of the appellation’s best-situated villages, many with granite-based soils that give the wine its bright acidity and mineral lift. Duboeuf has long championed small growers in the region, blending parcels to create a consistent, vibrant style that captures the joyous, fruit-forward personality for which Beaujolais is loved.

In the glass, it shows a deep ruby hue with flashes of purple. Aromas of fresh red cherries, raspberries, and wild strawberries mingle with floral hints of violets and a touch of spice. The palate is soft and juicy, brimming with ripe red fruits, a gentle earthiness, and supple tannins. Its freshness and balance make it a quintessential bistro wine, equally suited to casual dining and festive occasions. Fermentation typically involves a traditional semi-carbonic maceration to preserve fruit purity, followed by a short maturation in stainless steel to keep the wine bright and youthful.

This style is highly versatile with food. Enjoy it lightly chilled alongside charcuterie, roast chicken, pan-fried salmon, or a simple Niçoise salad. It also works beautifully with mushroom risotto or a slice of pâté en croûte. Best consumed within 3–4 years of release, it’s a wine made for immediate pleasure rather than extended cellaring.