2009 Domaine Diochon Moulin-a-Vent Cuvee Vieilles Vignes

Domain Diochon is a 12-acre estate in the Moulin-a-Vent appellation in Beaujolais. It was founded in 1935 and run by the Diochon family for two generations. In 2007 Thomas Patenotre was brought in to take over the estate when Bernard Diochon retired. The estate makes just one wine, a Gamay Vieilles Vignes Cru from vines at least 50 years old.

Moulin-à-Vent is a Beaujolais Cru appellation that takes its charming name from the only windmill, or moulin-à-vent, still in existence in Beaujolais. The picturesque windmill is several hundred years old and features prominently on the labels of some producers in the appellation. Moulin-à-Vent is located in the north central region of Beaujolais, and it includes 1,605 acres of vineyards. Many Beaujolais admirers consider it the “King” of the Beaujolais Crus, and Moulin-à-Vent wines are known for their richness, fullness and their ability to age. Like nearly all of Beaujolais, the grape grown here is Gamay. About 400,000 cases are produced annually.

The Gamay grape produces a light, versatile and food-friendly wine. It is best known for making Beaujolais Nouveau, but it is also grown in Loire and Tours. Thankfully the 14th C. Duke of Burgundy’s degree to ban the grape did not spread through all of France.