Wines Beaujolais Villages Lucien Lardy - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Lucien Lardy’s Beaujolais Villages 2023 is a vibrant red wine crafted exclusively from the Gamay grape, which is the quintessential varietal of the Beaujolais region. This vintage, hailing from the promising 2023 harvest, displays the fresh, fruit-driven character you expect from Beaujolais Villages. The vineyards benefit from granite-rich soils, lending both lift and subtle structure, while traditional semi-carbonic maceration is employed during vinification—a process that enhances the wine’s expressive red fruit aromatics, soft tannins, and luminous colour.

The Beaujolais region, located just south of Burgundy, is defined by its rolling hills and a temperate semi-continental climate. Here, the granite and schist soils are particularly favourable for the Gamay grape, helping produce wines of freshness and finesse. Beaujolais boasts a rich winemaking history dating back centuries, where village-level sites like those selected by Lucien Lardy have become synonymous with quality and typicity. The tradition of focusing on minimal intervention in the cellar allows the Gamay’s lively fruit and the particularities of each vintage to shine through with clarity.

Given the wine’s light body and exuberant fruit—think notes of cherry, raspberry, and a hint of violet—Lucien Lardy’s Beaujolais Villages 2023 is ideal paired with charcuterie, grilled sausages, or a classic roast chicken. Regional dishes such as coq au vin or andouillette sausage make for harmonious partners. For a more casual moment, serve it slightly chilled alongside a picnic of terrines, soft cheeses like Saint-Marcellin, and crusty baguette.

To fully enjoy its refreshing character and delicate bouquet, serve this Beaujolais Villages at a temperature of 14-16°C. Uncork it young to appreciate its exuberant fruitiness, though a year or two in bottle will add a little welcoming roundness. Decanting isn’t necessary, but a swirl in the glass will help unlock its inviting aromatics.