BEAUJOLAIS 2026 – A SENSATIONAL VINTAGE

Chris Piper writes the following report on his recent return from the ‘frontline’ in Beaujolais:

“A lot has already been written about the very unusual 2026 vintage and there will be a lot more to follow! At the moment, across the region, there are still numerous vats of red wine, still waiting to finish their unusually long fermentations but the wines that have been completed are nothing short of exquisite.

The locals are calling the 2026 vintage “solaire” and this was certainly the case. Just as we, in the UK, experienced an unforgettable summer with no rain, hours of sunshine and record temperatures, so did our friends in Beaujolais. However, with this, came a whole host of challenging issues, the most serious of which being the worryingly low yields, the very high sugar levels and the demanding wine-making conditions.

Not only was the 2026 harvest (which officially begun on 13th August) the earliest on record (2003 = 15th August/ 1893 = 25th August/ 1976 = 31st August) but it was also one of the hottest and driest.

In the northern sector (the crus and Beaujolais-Villages) the amount of red wine produced is near to being the smallest on record. North of Villefranche, the soils are primarily granite, sand and shale but in the southern part of the region (commonly known as the Bas-Beaujolais, south of Villefranche) the soils are predominantly clay-limestone, which is considerably more water-retentive. Here the yields were closer to the norm and as this is the primary source of Beaujolais Nouveau, the production is unlikely to be affected.

Apart from the drought and heat there was, of course, the inevitable hail storms. The first, at the end of June, severely battered Brouilly and Côte-de-Brouilly, particularly hitting Odenas, Marchampt and Quincié-en-Beaujolais. The second onslaught (on the nights of 16th and 17th July) was considerably more destructive, when a super-cell storm crossed Beaujolais, particularly ravaging the vineyards of Blacé, Saint-Étienne-des-Oullières and Beaujeu, also passing through Morgon and Fleurie.

Assuming that winemakers have carefully managed the potential high alcohol levels through early harvesting and careful parcel blending (i.e. blending higher-altitude vats with more alcoholic, early picked parcels) then the wines of the 2026 vintage will be truly memorable. Many seasoned observers feel that they are superior to the outstanding 1976’s, the first vintage I made as a winemaker. Fifty years later, the equipment, wine knowledge and overall experience ensures that the 2026’s are in another league.

Why are these wines so special? Simply because the velvety rich and sumptuous fruit flavours are superbly balanced with an uplifting and refreshing crunchy vibrancy. These are not heavy wines and simply put, they are dangerously moreish. At Château de Vaux, I can report that we are deeply proud of the primeurs, full of enticing black cherry fruit with a beautiful balance and finish. The ‘Vins de Garde’ are genuinely exciting with great intensity, very fine tannins and perfect structure.”

With quantities being so tiny and when it comes to ordering the wines, we are giving priority to all previous Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau customers. Of course, we will do our utmost to make sure that no one is disappointed.

BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES NOUVEAU 2026 – Château de Vaux (13.5%abv)

[No added sulphur] Release date: Thursday, 19th November

1-3 dozen : £9.95/bt. + VAT (£11.95/bt. inc. VAT)

4-9 dozen : £9.62/bt. + VAT (£11.55/bt. inc. VAT)

10+ dozen : £9.29/bt. + VAT (£11.15/bt. inc. VAT)

All our normal terms and conditions apply, including delivery charges.

If you would like to place an order, please let us know as soon as possible, by phone (01404 814139) or by e-mail at sales@christopherpiperwines.co.uk so that no one is disappointed.