Understanding the Differences in Beaujolais Wines

A Region That Punches Above Its Weight

Tucked just south of Burgundy, Beaujolais is often overshadowed by its more prestigious northern neighbour — but for those in the know, it’s a treasure trove of expressive, food-friendly wines. Built on the backbone of the Gamay grape, Beaujolais offers a dazzling spectrum of styles that range from light and fruity to rich, structured, and age-worthy.

In this guide, we’ll break down the three key classifications of Beaujolais wines and shine a spotlight on one of the region’s stars: Cru Morgon — a favourite among sommeliers and boutique wine lovers alike.

The Beaujolais Wine Classifications Explained

Beaujolais is divided into three main classifications, each offering a different expression of the region’s terroir and winemaking approach.

1. Beaujolais AOC
The most accessible and fruit-forward style, Beaujolais AOC wines are typically sourced from the southern part of the region. These wines are light-bodied, bursting with red cherry and candied fruit, and often made using carbonic maceration, a fermentation method that enhances fruitiness and softens tannins. They’re perfect for chilling slightly and enjoying with a casual lunch or charcuterie board.

2. Beaujolais-Villages
A step up in complexity, these wines come from 38 designated villages known for their superior vineyard sites. Expect greater depth, a touch more structure, and notes of spice or earth. Many Beaujolais-Villages wines offer excellent value and pair beautifully with everyday fare like grilled sausages or roast chicken.

3. The Crus of Beaujolais
At the top of the hierarchy are the 10 Crus — named appellations in the north where Gamay takes on a more serious tone. These wines are crafted more traditionally, with many seeing oak aging or minimal intervention, allowing the terroir to shine. From the floral elegance of Fleurie to the bold, age-worthy structure of Moulin-à-Vent, there’s a Cru for every palate.

🍷 The 10 Crus of Beaujolais:

1. Saint-Amour – Floral, romantic, and light-bodied.

2. Juliénas – Rich and structured with spicy, floral notes; named after Julius Caesar.

3. Chénas – The rarest Cru; firm and earthy with rose petal aromas and good aging potential.

4. Moulin-à-Vent – Known as the “King of Beaujolais” — powerful, tannic, and often compared to Burgundy.

5. Fleurie – True to its name, elegant and perfumed with soft red fruits and violet notes.

6. Chiroubles – The highest-altitude Cru, yielding delicate, fresh wines with finesse.

7. Morgon – Bold, dark-fruited, and earthy — age-worthy and complex, often “morgons” with time. Check out a classic representation of Morgon wine in our shop!

8. Régnié – The newest Cru (since 1988); fruit-driven and supple with good balance.

9. Brouilly – The largest Cru; juicy, approachable wines with red berry and mineral notes.

10. Côte de Brouilly – Grown on volcanic slopes of Mont Brouilly; elegant, structured, and minerally.

🔗 Learn more about Beaujolais classifications from Wine Enthusiast

 

Cru Morgon: The Beating Heart of Serious Beaujolais

Of all the Crus, Morgon stands out for its remarkable ability to bridge the gap between fruit-driven Gamay and the structure of Pinot Noir. It’s often said that Morgon wines “morgon,” a French verb used locally to describe how these wines take on a rich, almost Burgundian character with age.

Terroir and Winemaking

Morgon’s vineyards are nestled in volcanic and schist soils near the village of Villié-Morgon. These unique soils contribute to dark berry fruit, iron-rich minerality, and a touch of spice. Compared to other Crus, Morgon tends to be fuller-bodied, more tannic, and longer-lived.

Winemakers in Morgon often embrace more traditional fermentation and aging techniques. That means less carbonic maceration and more time in neutral oak or concrete tanks, helping develop earthy and savoury complexity.

Tasting Notes & Pairing

Expect notes of ripe cherry, plum, black tea, and forest floor. With a few years of bottle age, Morgon can surprise with truffle, leather, and dried herbs. It pairs beautifully with richer dishes — think duck breast, lentil stew, or grilled lamb chops.

Why We Love Morgon at The Daily Pour

Morgon is the perfect wine for customers who want to explore nuance, age-worthiness, and terroir, without the Burgundy price tag. It’s also an excellent choice for boutique restaurant wine lists, offering something familiar yet unexpected to adventurous diners. We represent Domaine de Leyre-Loup, a sustainable, family run winery loated in the heart of Morgon.

🔗 Check out Wine Enthusiast’s “Top 7 Beaujolais Under $30” featuring Domaine de Leyre-Loup!

Beaujolais for Business & Boutique Wine Lovers

For Toronto and Ottawa-based hospitality professionals, Cru Beaujolais — especially Morgon — represents an opportunity to offer guests a premium French wine experience that’s both accessible and memorable. Whether you’re curating a new wine list or exploring seasonal pairings, Cru Beaujolais wines bring serious value, story, and versatility to the table.

Looking to add Morgon to your wine list or personal collection? Check out The Daily Pour’s offerings from Domaine de Leyre-Loup!

Conclusion: Discover the Depth of Beaujolais with Morgon in Focus

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast expanding your palate or a business owner building a compelling wine list, understanding the classifications of Beaujolais is a step toward discovering some of France’s most underrated gems. And if you’re ready to dive deeper, let Cru Morgon lead the way — it’s proof that Gamay can go the distance, both in complexity and charm.

➡️ Explore our curated Beaujolais selections now in The Daily Pour’s Shop
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