2024 Jean-Marc Burgaud Beaujolais Lantignie, Burgundy

From the high altitude village of Lantignié, just outside the recognised cru boundaries, this wine shows how serious Beaujolais can be when treated with the same respect as its famous neighbours. Jean Marc Burgaud farms old Gamay vines on granite soils that mirror the crus, and his careful vineyard work aims to express freshness and mineral tension over simple fruitiness. Lantignié sits slightly cooler, giving the wine lift and aromatic precision.

Winemaking follows Burgaud’s classic approach, traditional fermentation with gentle extraction to preserve perfume and structure. The wine is raised to keep its crunch and purity, avoiding heavy oak so the vineyard character stays clear. The result is a Beaujolais that drinks easily but carries surprising depth.

Bright ruby in colour, the aromas open with red cherry, raspberry and cranberry, followed by violet, crushed stone and a faint herbal note. The palate is light to medium bodied and silky, with juicy red fruit wrapped in fine tannins and lively acidity. Flavours of berry and spice run clean and mineral through the finish, leaving a mouthwatering snap.

It pairs beautifully with roast chicken, charcuterie, pork and vegetable driven dishes. Delicious now slightly chilled, it will hold comfortably for five to seven years, gaining savoury nuance.

This is Beaujolais in a quietly serious voice, bright, granite driven and built on finesse rather than weight.