Wines Beaujolais Villages Domaine Lucien Lardy - 2024

Viniou Reviews

Lucien Lardy's 2024 Beaujolais Villages is a delightful expression of the Gamay grape, emblematic of this storied region. Crafted with care, this red wine is made from Gamay Noir à jus blanc, a varietal celebrated for its exuberant fruitiness and lively character. The 2024 vintage promises vibrancy and freshness, marked by an inviting bouquet of red berries—think cherry, raspberry, and a touch of strawberry—complemented by subtle floral notes, often evoking violets. The terroir here, with its granitic soils, imparts a certain minerality and finesse to the wine, encouraging a juicy, light-bodied palate with soft, supple tannins. Lucien Lardy employs traditional vinification, often with semi-carbonic maceration, to amplify Gamay's aromatic profile and preserve its crisp, refreshing nature.

Beaujolais is a region of gentle rolling hills just south of Burgundy, with a moderate continental climate tempered by Mediterranean influences. The soils, predominantly granite and schist, are particularly well-suited to Gamay, allowing for wines that are both expressive and approachable in their youth. Beaujolais Villages AOC encompasses the intermediate tier of Beaujolais classification, offering a step up in concentration and structure from the basic Beaujolais AOC while retaining the region's signature charm and purity. This area has a rich winemaking history dating back centuries, with each vintage celebrating a spirit of conviviality and pleasure.

For food pairings, this Beaujolais Villages shines with traditional regional fare such as charcuterie platters, pâtés, and saucisson. Its lightness and fruit-forward profile make it an excellent companion to roasted chicken, herb-crusted pork, or classic French bistro dishes like coq au vin. Vegetarian options such as mushroom risotto or a goat cheese tart will also complement its vivacious nature, while its low tannins mean it pairs surprisingly well with slightly spicy cuisine or grilled vegetables.

To fully appreciate Lucien Lardy’s 2024 Beaujolais Villages, serve it slightly chilled at 13-15°C. This temperature preserves the wine's bright fruit, accentuates its freshness, and delivers a most pleasurable drinking experience, whether enjoyed young or allowed to open up for a year or two in the bottle.