Chateau Des Jacques Molin á Vent Clos du Grand Carquelin 2021

Chateau des Jacques Moulin-à-Vent Clos du Grand Carquelin 2021 is a powerful, finely structured Beaujolais cru that shows just how Burgundian great Gamay can be. Sourced from a single, walled vineyard in the heart of Moulin-à-Vent—often called the “King of Beaujolais”—this wine combines depth, freshness and gastronomic finesse. It offers the richness and seriousness usually associated with Côte d’Or reds, but with the vibrant charm of top-class Gamay.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Clos du Grand Carquelin 2021 shows a deep, vibrant ruby colour, unusually intense for Gamay, reflecting the manganese-rich soils of the site. The nose is pure and insistent, opening with ripe black and red cherries, wild berries and crushed raspberry, followed by notes of violets, peony, sweet spice, a hint of licorice and a subtle mineral edge. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied for Beaujolais, almost plush, with a core of juicy, concentrated fruit – think ripe cherries, blackberry and red plum – framed by well-shaped, harmonious tannins. There is an enticing mix of richness and tension: the mid-palate feels fleshy and generous, yet the fresh acidity and mineral backbone keep everything precise and energetic. Spicy, slightly peppery notes and a whisper of oak add complexity on the long, elegant finish. Enjoyable now with a decant, it has the structure and balance to evolve beautifully over 8–12 years, gaining more earthy, truffley and savoury nuance with time.

Production
Clos du Grand Carquelin is a roughly 5-hectare monopole within Moulin-à-Vent, planted on predominantly sandy soils with a touch of clay over a subsoil rich in manganese. This unusual geology gives naturally small yields, thick-skinned grapes and an intense colour profile, while the slightly elevated, well-exposed parcels ensure excellent ripening and freshness. Grapes are harvested by hand to allow strict sorting in the vineyard and at the winery. In the cellar, fermentation takes place in closed vats, using a mix of destemmed berries and whole clusters to marry purity of fruit with extra structure and aromatic complexity from stems and skins. Gentle pump-overs are employed to extract colour and fine tannins without harshness. After fermentation, the wine is aged for around 12 months in oak, allowing it to gain texture, depth and integration while preserving the brightness of the fruit and the signature of the terroir.

Food & Serving
This is a serious, food-loving Moulin-à-Vent that pairs wonderfully with dishes you might normally reserve for good red Burgundy. Think roast chicken with herbs, duck breast, pork tenderloin, veal, charcuterie, grilled lamb chops, or earthy dishes based on mushrooms and root vegetables. It also works beautifully with richer poultry casseroles, game birds, and semi-hard cheeses like Comté or aged Tomme. Serve at 15–16°C (slightly cooler than many full-bodied reds) to highlight its freshness and aromatic lift. For current drinking, decant 45–60 minutes before serving to soften the tannins and allow the floral and spicy notes to unfold fully.

Producer
Chateau des Jacques is the Beaujolais estate of the renowned Burgundy house Maison Louis Jadot, one of the region’s most respected and historic producers. While Louis Jadot is often thought of primarily as a Côte d’Or specialist, it has invested heavily in top Beaujolais terroirs, including Moulin-à-Vent, to show that Gamay from great sites can rival fine Burgundy in complexity and longevity. With extensive vineyard holdings and meticulous vineyard management, the estate has played a leading role in elevating Beaujolais crus from simple bistro wines to serious, cellar-worthy reds. Backed by Louis Jadot’s experience—spanning more than a century and a half and over 150 hectares of estate vineyards—Chateau des Jacques has become a reference point for structured, ageworthy Beaujolais that faithfully express their individual climats, such as Clos du Grand Carquelin.

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