Elodie Rousselot, the winemaker at Château Bellevue in Morgon since 2022, is dedicated to showcasing the rich diversity of Beaujolais’ terroirs. While many view Beaujolais merely as a land of Gamay grown on granite, Rousselot emphasizes the unique characteristics of various parcels within the region, driven by soil, aspect, and altitude differences. She actively engages with fellow vintners to better understand which areas hold premier cru potential, highlighting the collective creativity that fosters a deeper appreciation for Beaujolais’ terroir.
From 2009 to 2018, soil studies conducted in collaboration with the Rhône Chamber of Agriculture detailed the sprawling diversity of Beaujolais’ soils, identifying more than 300 distinct types. These revelations challenge the oversimplified view of Beaujolais and open doors for vintners eager to craft nuanced wines that reflect their origins.
Rousselot notes that the diverse soil composition in Beaujolais significantly influences the wines’ profiles. The region primarily features decomposed shale, granite, and limestone, each contributing different characteristics to the grapes. For instance, soil rich in blue stone retains warmth slowly, influencing both the vineyard’s microclimate and the resulting wine’s profile, which Rousselot describes as elegant.
Since Maison Jean Loron acquired Château Bellevue in 2009, substantial investments have allowed for improved vineyard management focused on the estate’s best parcels. In Morgon, for example, understanding of terroir has prompted a meticulous harvest approach spread over two weeks, ensuring optimal ripeness through varied picking times according to vineyard location.
The estate has adopted innovative practices in vineyard care, such as using cover crops to manage vigor and installing electric machinery for environmentally friendly maintenance. Moreover, the winery equipment has been modernized to allow precision during vinification, with an emphasis on reducing sulfur use and extracting flavors without overwhelming the wine’s natural expression.
Rousselot’s approach reflects a shift in Beaujolais winemaking, where an understanding of terroir leads to better quality wines. She utilizes minimal intervention techniques, focusing on the intrinsic qualities of well-structured grapes. The wines express a sense of place, with historical vines producing remarkable depth and character.
As the various wines were sampled, a distinct narrative unfolded. The 2019 Château Bellevue Fleurie Montgenas exhibited a joyful raspberry fruit aroma, while the 2022 Morgon Corcelette Le Clos delivered a concentrated cherry profile, robust tannins, and earthy undertones. Each wine conveyed the unique expression of its specific vineyard site, underscoring the importance of terroir in Beaujolais winemaking.
The exploration of grapes planted in poor soil conditions sometimes led to simplified wines, yet Rousselot believes that the region’s evolution is fostering more complexity and identity. Emphasizing elegance over power, her wines maintain a balance of fruit and freshness, moving towards a style that reflects a deeper communion with Beaujolais’ rich heritage.
In addition to red wines, Rousselot is also exploring Beaujolais Blanc, a white wine crafted from Chardonnay planted on limestone. Her goal for the Chardonnay is to create a style that mirrors the richness and complexity typical of Burgundy, though she acknowledges the challenges of low yields from young vines.
Overall, Elodie Rousselot’s commitment to luxurious, terroir-driven wines is driving a renaissance in Beaujolais, appealing not only to dedicated wine enthusiasts but also inviting a broader audience to appreciate the profound storytelling inherent in every bottle.