Beaujolais Nouveau has become worldwide phenomenon due to a large extent to the marketing genius of Georges Duboeuf, but the wines of Beaujolais are so much more than Nouveau. Lying tucked between Bourgogne and the vineyards of the Rhone Valley, Beaujolais produces some of Europe's best terroir driven wines from a unique combination of diverse microclimates and the greatest amount of soil diversity of all the wine regions of France. And because the top quality wines of the region are eclipsed in the minds of many consumers by the popularity of Nouveau, they remain incredibly affordable.

Crafted from Gamay, the signature wines of the region exhibit surprising diversity of character, while remaining aromatic and fruit forward with gentle tannins. They are incredibly food friendly, delicious when young, and yet when grown in the right terroir, can be wonderfully age worthy. Beyond Gamay, Beaujolais Blanc from Chardonnay grown on islands of clay and limestone are full of aromas of stone fruit and flavors of white fruit, citrus, and chalk and are a delicious addition to White Burgundy at a fraction of the price.  So join me in an exploration of the best that Beaujolais has to offer.

Maxine Borcherding, founder of the Alliance's wine seminars, will lead this tasting in person. Maxine is currently a resident of Portugal and is in Portland for a brief visit. Our good luck!

Maxine's selections to come shortly.

The Alliance Wine Club meets monthly,
usually on the third Sunday of the month.
(And for the occasional bonus event.)