Fleurie

Fleurie is one of the best-known of the ten Beaujolais crus. Located in the northern part of Beaujolais, the appellation covers the vineyards in the commune of Fleurie, located on the western slopes of the Beaujolais hills. Fleurie wines are some of the most highly regarded in Beaujolais – made from the Gamay grape variety, they are light, silky and supple, with characteristic floral and berry aromas.

Fleurie is in the centre of the Beaujolais crus, sitting just south of Moulin-à-Vent and Chénas and to the north of its equally famous stablemate of Morgon. The area's vineyards sit on south and southeast-facing slopes overlooking the Saône River valley, where they are exposed to warm morning sunshine during the growing season.

The soils in Fleurie are the most important part of the terroir in this part of Beaujolais. They are generally made up of pink granite, but a variation of soil textures gives rise to different styles of wine. On the higher slopes within the appellation's boundaries, the soils are made up of coarse, dry sand that absorbs and reflects heat, aiding the ripening process. Wines produced from these vineyards are known for their delicate aromas, while a higher proportion of water-retaining clay further down the slopes gives a slightly denser, more-structured style of wine.

Fleurie's vineyards enjoy a temperate continental climate, and are shielded from cold northwesterly weather systems by the hills to the west of Beaujolais. Instead, the region's high sunshine hours are cooled by gentle influences from the Mediterranean Sea in the south. This ensures that ripening is slow and steady, leading to a balance of acidity and flavour in the grapes.

While Fleurie's widespread recognition is often attributed to its evocative name, the region is actually named after a Roman general, Floricum, rather than for any floral traits in the wine. Vines were planted here in the early Middle Ages by Benedictine monks, and vineyards were expanded in the 15th century by the Lyonnais bourgeoisie. Fleurie wines were widely distributed in France and England in the 19th century, and the commune was granted its AOC in the 1930s, along with seven other areas in northern Beaujolais.

Around 180 growers are active today in the Fleurie appellation. Many of them contribute to Beaujolais' oldest co-operative, La Cave des Producteurs des Grands Vins de Fleurie, which was established in 1927.