The village of Fleurie in France is appropriately named. Noted for producing wines with aromas of violet, rose and lilac and smooth easy fruit, it all sings of flowers and summer.
Fleurie, familiar to a generation of Irish wine drinkers, is one of the 10 crus, or top villages, of the Beaujolais region. Basic Beaujolais is a joyous, gluggable drink – light, refreshing and fruity, a true vin de soif. It is perfect served lightly chilled at summer parties. The next level up in quality is Beaujolais Villages, which can offer great value for money. Each of the 10 crus has a different soil (always a variation of granite) and therefore different flavours. Morgon and Moulin-à-Vent are typically more powerful, Chenas and Chiroubles lighter and fruitier. Fleurie is the most aromatic, elegant and silky of all.
More than 90 per cent of wine produced is red or rosé, although Beaujolais also produces some excellent white wines. The reds and rosés are made from the gamay grape. The wines tend to be fresh and fruity, perfect to drink young, although the best will keep and mature for a decade or more. You can drink them with a wide variety of foods.
Fleurie village itself, set among rolling green hills, is well worth a visit and makes perfect picnic territory. Even if you are staying at home, a lunch of charcuterie, cheeses, salads and fresh crusty bread with a glass of Fleurie might make you think you are there.
Fleurie 2023, Goichot
13%, €17.99 (€10 when on promotion)
Fresh ripe red summer fruits with a rounded finish. Drink by itself, or with firm cheeses and charcuterie.
From SuperValu
Fleurie 2023 Didier Desvignes
13%, €23.95
A delightful Fleurie with floral aromas, fresh juicy strawberry fruits and a savoury note on the finish. Drink lightly chilled with white meats, tuna, or mixed summer salads.
The Drink Store, Dublin 7; Fíon Eile, Dublin 7; Lennox St Grocers, Dublin 8; Green Man, Dublin 6; MacGuiness Wines, Dundalk; Thenudewineco.ie; Blackrock Cellars; Clontarf Wines, Dublin 3; LeCaveau.ie
Fleurie Poncié 2023, Pierre-Marie Chermette
13.5%, €24.50
Medium-bodied with voluptuous, smooth dark fruits and a lingering finish. Enjoy with chicken and pork dishes.
The Corkscrew, Dublin 2; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock; Ely, Maynooth; Fallon & Byrne, Dublin 2; WineOnline.ie
Fleurie ‘Indigène’ 2023 Domaine Grégoire Hoppenot
12.5%, €37.95
An exquisite fragrant Fleurie with elegant red fruits, good matching acidity opening out with a very fine finish.
Green Man, Dublin 6; Martin’s, Dublin 3; WineOnline.ie
