Our Juliénas Wines

An Appellation Full of Character

Located at the very north of Beaujolais, Juliénas is one of the 10 crus of this emblematic wine region. With approximately 580 hectares of vineyards, it extends over four communes: Juliénas, Jullié, Emeringes, and Pruzilly.

The name of the appellation supposedly comes from Julius Caesar. The great Roman emperor had already understood that the place had potential for growing vines.

Compared to other Beaujolais crus, Juliénas stands out for its aromatic intensity and more pronounced tannic structure, which makes it both accessible when young and capable of aging well.

A Red Wine of Character with Excellent Value for Money

Juliénas wines are exclusively red and made from Gamay noir à jus blanc. The name of the grape variety can be misleading, but make no mistake: the AOC does not authorize the production of white wines. The latter are made from Chardonnay under the Beaujolais blanc appellation.

The Juliénas cru produces rich wines, with notes of very ripe red fruits (cherry, raspberry, redcurrant), flowers (peony, violet), and sometimes sweet spices. Juliénas is often cited for its excellent value for money: you can find bottles with beautiful aromatic complexity, structure, and aging potential without breaking the bank.

A Varied Terroir Ideal for Gamay

The Juliénas terroir is marked by a great diversity of soils: granitic, clay-siliceous, and even some schistous areas. This patchwork of terroirs allows Gamay to express its full aromatic palette and tannic finesse. The altitude (between 250 and 450 meters) and the exposure of the vines also play an essential role in the complexity of the wines produced here.

The semi-continental climate brings hot summers and cold winters, perfect for the development of aromas.

How to Taste It and What to Pair It With?

Juliénas is ideally drunk between 14 and 16°C, after a slight aeration. It can be enjoyed young for its fruity freshness, but the best cuvées can age 5 to 8 years, or even longer in great vintages.

For food and wine pairings, it works wonders with roasted poultry, duck breast with red fruits, or beef bourguignon. For a more modern touch, try it with a blue cheese burger or fragrant Asian cuisine (Peking duck, caramelized pork). And with cheese? Aim for an aged cheese: Saint-Nectaire, aged Saint-Marcellin, or young Comté will be very good companions.

Wine Tourism: Discovering the Juliénas Vineyard

The Beaujolais wine route passes through Juliénas, offering visitors an immersion in a rich wine heritage. Many estates offer visits and tastings to discover this emblematic cru and meet passionate winemakers.

Your Questions, Our Answers About Juliénas Wines

Is Juliénas a Rhône wine? No, Juliénas is part of the Beaujolais crus, a wine region that administratively belongs to Burgundy, although it is often associated with the Rhône due to its geographical proximity.

Is Juliénas exclusively a red wine? Yes, the Juliénas AOC appellation is exclusively dedicated to red wines made from Gamay, the emblematic grape variety of Beaujolais. There is no white Juliénas.

How long can a Juliénas be kept? Generally, a Juliénas can be kept between 3 and 7 years, with some exceptional vintages going up to 10 years.

What are the best Juliénas vintages? The 2015, 2018, and 2020 vintages are particularly recognized for their quality and aging potential.

What is the price of a Juliénas? The price of a bottle of Juliénas generally varies between 10 and 20 €, depending on the producer and the vintage. Given its terroir and the talent of its winemakers, the appellation enjoys excellent value for money.

What dish goes with a Juliénas wine? Juliénas pairs very well with red meats, poultry in sauce, and certain aged cheeses such as Saint-Nectaire or Reblochon.

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