AOC Moulin à Vent

History of the Moulin-à-Vent Appellation

Nestled in the heart of Beaujolais, the Moulin-à-Vent appellation is often considered the most prestigious of the region's crus. It takes its name from the old windmill that stands in the commune of Romanèche-Thorins. Historically, Moulin-à-Vent wines were so highly prized that, according to some sources, they were sometimes sold as Burgundy wines in the 19th century.

Climate and Terroir of the Moulin-à-Vent Appellation

• Climate: The climate is semi-continental, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Mediterranean and Atlantic influences bring variability that can be beneficial for the vines.
• Soils: The terroir is unique with its soil rich in manganese and pink granite, which gives the wine a distinct tannic structure and an impressive aging potential compared to other Beaujolais wines.

Gamay: Emblematic Red Grape Variety of the Moulin à Vent AOC

Gamay is undoubtedly the emblematic grape variety of the Moulin-à-Vent AOC and more generally of Beaujolais. In the Moulin-à-Vent AOC, Gamay expresses itself more than ever, giving wines of remarkable depth and complexity.

Style of Moulin-à-Vent AOC Wine

• Appearance: Deep color, ranging from garnet red to dark ruby.
• Nose: The aromas are rich, combining red and black fruits (cherry, blackberry), sometimes accompanied by floral (violet) and spicy notes. As they age, Moulin-à-Vent AOC red wines develop complex notes of truffles, undergrowth, and musk.
• Palate: Full-bodied and structured, the palate reveals well-present tannins that soften with age, giving way to great finesse. Although made from Gamay, Moulin-à-Vent AOC red wine is often compared to Burgundy pinot noirs due to its complexity and aging potential.
• Serving Temperature: 15°-17°C.
• Aging Potential: Moulin-à-Vent AOC red wine is one of the few wines from Beaujolais that benefits from aging, evolving beautifully over 10 years (or more depending on the estate and vintage).

Best Food Pairings with Moulin à Vent Wine

Here are some recommendations to achieve the best food and wine pairings with a bottle of red wine from a domaine or château in the Moulin-à-Vent AOC:

• Roast quails
• Black pudding and mashed potatoes
• Beaujolais-style saucisson en brioche
• Coq au vin
• Cheeses (munster, époisses, camembert, chaource)