Two standout wines from the 2025 French Wine Guide
The Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France 2025, released on August 22, highlights standout wines from various regions. In Beaujolais, two exceptional domaines are praised for their remarkable expressions of the Gamay grape.
Clos Sauvage - Saint-Amour
Clos Sauvage has emerged as a rising star in Saint-Amour, a lesser-known appellation of Beaujolais. Run by Sophie and David Devynck, this domaine stands out with wines that defy typical expectations for the region. Unlike the lighter wines often associated with Saint-Amour, Clos Sauvage produces wines with significant depth, combining richness and balance with delicate, silky tannins. The fruit in these wines is described as particularly scintillating, delivering a fresh and vibrant character that is rare for the area. The wines from Clos Sauvage can be enjoyed immediately but also have aging potential, with recommendations to keep them for five to ten years for optimal development. This versatility adds to the appeal of the domaine’s offerings, making it a go-to for both casual drinkers and serious collectors.
Domaine des Moriers - Fleurie La Madone 2022
The second major success noted in the guide is the Domaine des Moriers, located in the Fleurie appellation. This estate is helmed by François de Nicolaÿ, who also produces wines at the Chandon de Briailles in Burgundy, bringing his expertise to Beaujolais. The 2022 vintage of La Madone is lauded as one of the best from this domaine, delivering a wine that balances freshness with the sincerity of its terroir. La Madone 2022 is characterized by its brilliant fruit expression and finely crafted tannins, a reflection of the strong vintage and skilled winemaking. It captures both the power and generosity of the 2022 vintage, making it a standout among the wines of Beaujolais.
Why These Wines Matter
Both Clos Sauvage and Domaine des Moriers represent a shift in how Beaujolais, particularly the less famous appellations, is perceived. While regions like Saint-Amour have historically been overlooked in favor of more well-known Beaujolais crus, these two domaines showcase the immense potential for quality and character in the region. Their wines prove that Beaujolais is not just about easy-drinking reds but can also produce complex, age-worthy bottles that rival more prestigious French wine regions.
The 2025 edition of Le Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France offers wine lovers a reason to explore Beaujolais anew, with these two domaines at the forefront of the region's resurgence. Whether you’re a fan of the soft, elegant wines of Saint-Amour or the powerful, structured offerings from Fleurie, these wines are not to be missed. They highlight the diversity of Beaujolais and its potential to deliver exceptional wines well beyond the scope of its famous Beaujolais Nouveau.