In the glass
What it pairs with
-
Tartiflette
Racy acidity cuts through the reblochon-and-potato richness. -
Saucisson sec lyonnais
Crunchy Gamay cherry is a textbook partner for air-dried sausage. -
Tomme de Savoie
Light body complements the gentle alpine cheese without overpowering.
How to serve Beaujolais Eau Forte
Allow 65 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 60 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 14-16°C. Cellar temperature (14-16°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a Burgundy bowl with a wide opening: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Tartiflette, Saucisson sec lyonnais, Tomme de Savoie. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Eau Forte ('strong water', an etching technique) reflects Lapalu's belief that Beaujolais AOC fruit, when farmed well and vinified naturally, can achieve the same depth of expression as higher appellations at fraction the price.
- 2008 — Eau Forte first released as Lapalu's natural Beaujolais AOC
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine Jean-Claude Lapalu
- Grapes
- Gamay
- Classification
- Beaujolais AOC
- Oak
- No wood; concrete tank fermentation and élevage
- ABV
- 12.5%
- Price
- €14-18 at retail
- Drinking window
- 1-5 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2008
- Biodynamic
- Biodynamic Practicing
- Organic
- ORGANIC CERTIFIED
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Frequently asked about Beaujolais Eau Forte
What does Beaujolais Eau Forte taste like?
Structurally light-bodied, low tannins, racy acidity with a short finish. Lapalu's entry-level Beaujolais AOC: natural fermentation in concrete gives a vibrant, crunchy red-fruit profile with racy acidity and a sauvage lift.
When should I drink Beaujolais Eau Forte?
Drink 1-5 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Beaujolais Eau Forte?
Tartiflette is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Saucisson sec lyonnais and Tomme de Savoie. Racy acidity cuts through the reblochon-and-potato richness.
Is Beaujolais Eau Forte vegan?
Yes: the producer documents no animal-derived fining agents in production, so the wine is suitable for vegan and vegetarian drinkers.
What grapes are in Beaujolais Eau Forte?
The blend is Gamay. The wine is classified as Beaujolais AOC.