Beaujolais Blanc : discover Chardonnay from Beaujolais
Beaujolais blanc : Chardonnay in all its discretion… or almost
Long kept discreet, Beaujolais blanc is no longer a well-kept secret. Because yes, behind the image of vibrant reds that we associate (rightly) with Gamay, Chardonnay also thrives in the hills of Beaujolais — and with incredible charm.
We're talking about an accessible yet refined Chardonnay, one that doesn't imitate its big brother from Burgundy but plays a different tune: more direct, sunnier, and freer too. Perfect for those who love fresh, crisp whites with beautiful tension… and a gentle price tag.
Granitic terroir : the secret behind Beaujolais blanc's style
If Chardonnay expresses itself so well in Beaujolais, it's also (and above all) thanks to its terroir. Here, there are no Burgundian marls or limestone: the subsoil is granitic, light, well-draining, nutrient-poor. And this type of soil, though less expected for a grape like Chardonnay, gives it a truly unique expression.
The result ? White wines that are more vibrant, more saline, often more floral than buttery, with a natural freshness that makes them ultra-digestible. Less oak, more brilliance. Less richness, more pep.
A style much appreciated by those who love vibrant and taut white wines, perfect for sipping at aperitif time or pairing with seafood, roasted poultry, or a fine cheese platter.
Our gem : Château du Châtelard, Beaujolais Blanc 2020
A Chardonnay from Beaujolais ? Yes — and not just any ! This cuvée from Château du Châtelard combines everything we love :
- an expressive nose of white flowers and orchard fruits,
- a fresh, lightly honeyed palate, carried by subtle aging,
- a taut and mineral finish, full of charm.
An outstanding price-to-pleasure ratio for those who want to switch from Burgundy whites without sacrificing quality.
What about appellations—how do they work?
Beaujolais blanc can be produced under different denominations:
- Beaujolais Blanc (like the one we're offering here)
- Beaujolais-Villages Blanc
- And more recently, some cru parcels (notably in Fleurie or Juliénas) are also experimenting with small-batch Chardonnay expressions.
But the style remains the same : Chardonnay aged for tension, far from heavy oaked wines, with a focus on fruit freshness, deliciousness, and sometimes a subtle mineral touch.
What food pairings work with Beaujolais blanc?
Beaujolais blanc, with its freshness and versatility, lends itself to a wide palette of pairings :
- Classic : grilled fish, creamy chicken escalope, fresh goat cheese.
- Modern : burrata with citrus, tuna tataki, asparagus risotto.
- World cuisine : steamed dim sum, vegetarian pad thai, mild vegetable curry.
- Vegetarian : zucchini galette, lemony risotto, warm quinoa salad with crunchy vegetables.
It's a chameleon wine, capable of adapting to both light dishes and richer flavors.
🎯 Key takeaways :
- The Chardonnay grape represents 100% of Beaujolais blancs
- The granitic terroir brings freshness, structure, and tension
- Beaujolais blancs offer an accessible alternative to Burgundy whites
- A must-try if you love floral, mineral, and refreshing white wines
Explore our collection of Beaujolais crus : reds and whites, this region has so much to offer !
