Whatever happened to Beaujolais? It used to be so popular, but over the last few years it’s struggled a bit. It lost its fun. But there are many really good wines coming from the region, especially with the sensational 2009 vintage, which was the best here for as long as anyone can remember. Here are two good bottles sipped over the warm weekend.
Louis Latour Morgon Les Charmes 2009 Beaujolais
13% alcohol. Fresh and quite dense with bright raspberry fruit, together with a bit of tannic grip. Tight and youthful with lots of primary fruit, finishing quite firm. This is very promising: a usefully dense food wine now, with the potential to settle down and integrate with a few years in bottle. 88/100 (£9.99 Majestic)
Bouchard Pere & Fils Fleurie 2008 Beaujolais
12.5% alcohol. Very stylish, this. Quite light and sappy with some mineral undertones and fresh cherry fruit. Finishes with nice acidity. Fine, pure and minerally, this is quite a serious expression of the Gamay grape. 89/100 (£9.99 Waitrose)