Château du Moulin-à-Vent

This property continues to go from strength to strength under the dynamic stewardship of Edouard Parinet. Its 30 hectares of vines are divided into no fewer than 130 different parcels. The majority lie on shallow, sandy soils atop pink granite and quartz; terroir typical of Moulin-à-Vent, which is renowned for producing some of the most structured and age-worthy examples of Cru Beaujolais.

 Edouard and winemaker Brice Laffond are increasingly focused on producing single parcel wines, including the powerful Clos de Londres and ethereal Les Vérillats. Rather than being dogmatic, Brice and team adapt their winemaking to suit the profile of the vintage. Usually, however, around 40% of the crop is vinified whole bunch and the wines are raised in stainless steel and used barrels (of an average three years old). The outstanding Couvent des Thorins is an open-knit, juicy blend of fruit from clay-rich sites, and is raised exclusively in tank for maximum freshness.

Wines from Domaine du Roc des Boutires, the château’s sister estate, can be found in the Mâconnais section of our List.