In the last few years the quality of wines emerging from Beaujolais has risen dramatically, yet many still associate the region with Beaujolais Nouveau. From the 1960s onwards the region became best known for these fun, unsophisticated wines, which were released just a few weeks after harvest. Nouveau brought financial security to the region, but the extraordinary level of demand for these wines also led to industrialized methods of farming and wine production and the resulting decline in quality ultimately damaged Beaujolais's reputation. Most wine lovers were unaware that, in parallel with this, there was a movement in the region to restore Beaujolais's reputation as a source of fine wines. The focus was on terroir, respect for the environment and considered winemaking – all things valued by today's wine lovers. This movement has gained momentum in recent years and Beaujolais is now a region with ambitions to equal the prestige of its neighbours in Burgundy and the Rhne. In The wines of Beaujolais Natasha Hughes MW guides readers to a greater understanding of the region's diverse wines. After a short history of wine in Beaujolais she moves on to examine its terroir, explaining how the detailed mapping of Beaujolais's soils has allowed producers to adapt their practices accordingly. Next, Hughes discusses the oft-maligned variety Gamay, the only red grape allowed in the appellation regulations, whose fresh, food-friendly qualities are currently in vogue, and examines the region's approaches to viticulture and winemaking. The 10 crus located in the northern part of the region all have their own distinct characteristics and can produce stunning wines for a fraction of the price of anything from the Cte d'Or. Here they are covered in detail, with a broader look at the diverse terroir of the Beaujolais Villages appellation and the Beaujolais zone in the south, and selected producers profiled. After offering visitors to the region some tips on where to eat, stay and taste the wines, Hughes concludes by predicting what the next 20 years may hold in store.
