Beaujolais

One of the ten Cru sites of the Beaujolais wine-growing region in France, named after a windmill standing on a hill 240 metres high in the Les Thorins vineyard site. The vineyard area totals 670 hectares, the vineyards are located between the communes of Chénas and Romanèche-Thorins at an altitude of 250 to 280 metres above sea level. The sandstone soils have a salmon-red colour, and contain granite as well as stones with manganese veins. The wines are considered to be among the most concentrated and long-lived in the Beaujolais region, together with those from the Crus Chénas and Morgon. The best wines need ten years to develop, and come close to the great red Burgundies made from Pinot Noir in taste. An old tradition dictates that the wine of each vintage is taken to the baptismal stones of the various communes at the end of October of the year following the vintage. Well-known producers include Domaine Berrod, Domaine Bourisset, Domaine Champagnon, Domaine Gay-Coperet, Château des Jacques, Jadot, Domaine Paul Janin, Jacky Janodet and Château du Moulin-à-Vent.