Domaine Christophe et Daniel Rampon - Beaujolais

Although Beaujolais is often considered to be a southern satellite of the Burgundy region, the majority of it actually lies within the administrative department of Rhône, in the Rhône-Alpes region. It is a very pretty area, with green rolling hills and the remnants of extinct volcanoes in the north (where all of the individual “crus” are situated) and flatter land in the south (where most generic Beaujolais is produced). The soil is mainly granitic - and also quite acidic – whilst the climate is slightly warmer than most of Burgundy. The wines are mainly red, and made from a single grape variety - Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc - and are characterised by juicy flavours of strawberry, raspberry and cherry, with some of the heavier "Cru" wines also displaying notes of darker berry fruits. Some good rosé is also made, along with a relatively small amount of white (mostly Chardonnay).

The Rampon house and cellar is situated in a small hamlet, a couple of kilometres outside the village of Villié-Morgon (pictured right).

The winemaking process is a cross between carbonic maceration and more traditional whole-bunch fermentation, with the grapes being placed (un-crushed) into large fibre glass vats, which have tops, but are not sealed. The grapes then macerate and ferment for between 7 and 15 days, depending on the style of wine, before being pressed. Once fermentation has finished, most of the wines are placed in either concrete tanks or stainless steel vats for a few months, prior to bottling, whilst certain cuvées are aged in used oak barrels.

All wines are sealed under DIAM corks - DIAM 1 for the wines to be drunk young and DIAM 3 for the more age-worthy wines. We have no less than 11 different wines from the Rampon range. Why so many wines from one grower? Because they are all so delicious, and show just how distinctive and individual the wines from each of the Beaujolais crus can be. Give them a try - you won't be disappointed!