From: Beaujolais, France
Varietal: Gamay
Taste: Its nose, both delicate and profound, carries hints of violets and peonies, interlaced with the fruitiness of raspberry and blackcurrant. On the palate, this wine is a dance of refreshing and full-bodied notes, culminating in a lingering finish that resonates with the vivid flavors of ripe fruits. As a single-estate wine, its character is distinct - a perfect balance of ripe fruits and gentle textures punctuated by a zest of final acidity.
Pairing: This Beaujolais-Villages wine is versatile. Its notes make it a delightful companion to cold cuts, Italian dishes, and savory tarts. Its robust character pairs harmoniously with dishes like coq au vin or oeufs en meurette. Richer vintages, such as 2018 and 2020, beautifully complement fruity tagines, especially lamb tajine adorned with dates, prunes, and apricots. And for those who savor an east-meets-west culinary experience, this Beaujolais holds its own against Chinese cuisine, making for a red wine that can complement from start to finish.
Smokey Lo Mein With Shiitake and Vegetables
By J Kenji López-Alt
About: The Chateau de Varennes's story mirrors its region's storied past. Located in Quincie en Beaujolais, this 11th-century castle has seen eras of opulence and austerity, from the humble days of the Villion family in the 13th century to the magnificence of the Lords of Beaujeu in the 14th. But since 1809, the Charveriat family's dedication has ensured the chateau's continued prominence in the realm of winemaking. The rolling vineyards that blanket the hillsides around the castle have witnessed the passing of time and the evolution of techniques, always embracing the character and charm of the Gamay grape.
Tracing their lineage to 1214 and establishing their roots in Burgundy by 1350, the Bichot family's winemaking journey is one of unparalleled dedication. Emblazoned with a doe symbol, unchanged for centuries, this family's commitment to wine is a narrative of evolution. From Bernard Bichot's first foray into the wine trading business in 1831 to Albert Bichot's pioneering international ventures and the contemporary innovations introduced by Albéric Bichot, the family has always prioritized the quality of the grape.
Their belief stands firm - the essence of a great wine is in the grape itself. This philosophy led to expansions, acquisitions, and a relentless drive for perfection. Today, the family's commitment spans six estates, now including Chaeteau de Varennes.
The terroir of Chateau de Varennes is emblematic of the Beaujolais region. Dominated by the Gamay grape, the vines thrive in the granite and silica-rich soils, painting a palate of nuanced flavors and aromas. Bathed under the southern sun, the vineyards find the perfect ripening conditions, allowing the Gamay grape to express its hallmark red berry fruitiness.
The winemaking process is honed to perfection with a vineyard rooted in granite and siliceous soil. Employing thermo-regulated stainless steel tanks for vatting over ten days, followed by aging in tanks for 6 to 7 months, every step is calculated to preserve the grape's inherent qualities.
