Chateau du Moulin-à-Vent dates back to 1732 and gave its name to the appellation when it was created in 1936. The estate has 37 hectares of vines across the appellation’s finest terroirs on mostly granitic soils rich in iron oxide, copper and manganese. This is the entry-level wine, 100% Gamay from three sites on the eastern slope below the windmill that gives the appellation its name.
This estate is emblematic. When the Moulin-à-Vent appellation was created in 1936 it took its name from the windmill that overlooks the vineyards
The vineyards were planted in the 1980s at a high density of 10,000 vines per hectare. Yield is modest, at an average of 30hl/ha. Hand-harvested grapes are cold-soaked and fermented with 20% whole bunches. The wine is bottled after 10 months in stainless steel tanks and is noted for its roundness, medium body and early-drinking appeal.
“Today, after a period of being the pariahs of the wine world, they are once again worthy objects of interest for serious wine lovers. This is all due to the magic combination of the Gamay grape and the particular characteristics of the best villages in the region, including the famous ‘crus’ Beaujolais.” Jancis Robinson MW
The most full bodied and powerful wines in Beaujolais, the region can also create the longest-lasting examples. Because of their richness and structure the wine can support the use of oak which adds more tannin and structure to the wines. The term, “Vieillie en fût de chêne', generally indicated this practice… and price point.