In the glass
What it pairs with
-
Joues de boeuf braisées
The wine's firm tannin and mineral structure hold up to long-braised beef cheeks. -
Pintade au chou farci
Spiced earth and dark fruit complement cabbage-stuffed guinea fowl. -
Bleu d'Auvergne
Blue cheese salt and creaminess contrast with the wine's iron-mineral grip.
How to serve Beaujolais-Villages Esprit d'Une Vie
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. Joues de boeuf braisées, Pintade au chou farci, Bleu d'Auvergne. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Esprit d'Une Vie ('spirit of a life') is Karim Vionnet's personal top Beaujolais-Villages cuvée, drawing from his oldest parcels and given extended barrel ageing to demonstrate the Villages appellation's overlooked depth.
- 2010 — Esprit d'Une Vie first released as Vionnet's prestige Villages cuvée
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine Karim Vionnet
- Grapes
- Gamay
- Classification
- Beaujolais-Villages AOC
- Oak
- Old Burgundy barrels 10-12 months
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- €18-26 at retail
- Drinking window
- 3-10 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2010
- Organic
- ORGANIC CERTIFIED
Frequently asked about Beaujolais-Villages Esprit d'Une Vie
What does Beaujolais-Villages Esprit d'Une Vie taste like?
Structurally medium-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a long finish. Vionnet's prestige Villages cuvée from older parcels: Morgon-influenced depth and structure, with kirsch, incense and a long iron-mineral finish that punches above appellation level.
When should I drink Beaujolais-Villages Esprit d'Une Vie?
Drink 3-10 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Beaujolais-Villages Esprit d'Une Vie?
Joues de boeuf braisées is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Pintade au chou farci and Bleu d'Auvergne. The wine's firm tannin and mineral structure hold up to long-braised beef cheeks.
What grapes are in Beaujolais-Villages Esprit d'Une Vie?
The blend is Gamay. The wine is classified as Beaujolais-Villages AOC.