Fleurie

Production

Fleurie is a Beaujolais Cru with 830 hectares of Gamay vines planted on the west side of the Beaujolais hills. The vineyards are almost entirely planted in the rare pink granite at altitudes averaging 340 metres. The appellation was created in September 1936.

Several lieux-dits exist in Fleurie, including La Madone, Les Labourons, Les Garants and others. These sites are considered the source of the appellation’s ripest grapes, but Fleurie’s quality is overall impressive. The largest producer in Fleurie is the region’s cooperative winery, but there are around 180 small, family-owned estates, many of them labelling and marketing their own wine. In total, the appellation produces over 17 000 hectolitres of wine every vintage.

The yields in Fleurie are kept low, with a maximum of 58 hectolitres of wine per hectare. Producers often make wine with even more strict yields, averaging 45.5 hectolitres per hectare. The more concentrated the juice, the finer the wine. Fleurie is known as the most “feminine” of Beaujolais Crus, and although the appellation’s name comes from the name of a Roman soldier, Florus, it suits the area, as the wines are often floral and fruit-forward.

Grape Varieties and Blends

Fleurie is a Beaujolais Cru, and its vignerons must comply with the regional rules. This means the Gamay is the only allowed varietal in the area. Gamay is the second-most planted red varietal in Burgundy, and most of it is produced in Beaujolais. Not all authors consider Beaujolais as part of Burgundy, but the region’s share history and tradition. Gamay is an ancestral grape and the offspring of Pinot x Gouais blanc, and its full name is Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc. Chardonnay is Gamay’s better-known sibling.

The thin-skinned, early ripening grape was once prevalent in Burgundy until it was outlawed by the Duke of Burgundy Philippe the Bold in 1395. Chances are, Gamay’s ancestral home is the area around the town of Gamay, near Beaune, although the claim is hard to prove.

Gamay has enjoyed popularity in the past, especially for the approachable Beaujolais Nouveau wines famous in the late 20th century. Still, the grape now produces wines of the highest quality, and it’s living an authentic golden era, mainly when grown in the acclaimed Beaujolais Crus.

Buy Fleurie Wines from Hourlier Wines

Pierre Hourlier Wines has built strong relationships with reputable Burgundian Domaines, including estates in the up-and-coming Fleurie appellation. For bright and fruit-forward wines that are more contemplative than you think, the wines below will show you what Fleurie wine can do.

The Bernard Family runs Domaine du Niagara in Beaujolais. They tend old vines in vineyards planted as early as the 1940s. These are no ordinary vines but some of the oldest Gamay plantings in the region.

Domaine du Niagara’s Fleurie is a mono-varietal Gamay with bright red fruit aromas and violets over a juicy palate with silken tannins and tight acidity. Enjoy this beautiful red on its own, slightly chilled, or pair it with grilled pork, roasted poultry, cured meats, sausages, semi-hard cheese and tomato-based dishes. Best enjoyed within 4-5 years at a temperature between 10-12°C.

The Dupres family has managed Domaine de la Madone for six generations — they specialise in Fleurie and Rhône Viognier. The estate’s Fleurie is a Gamay-based red wine with ripe, juicy fruit on the nose and palate, persistent but round tannins and vibrant acidity. The wine is best enjoyed within 2 to 4 years at a temperature between 8-10°C. This ruby-red wine shows its best when paired with pork, veal, poultry and cured meats. This is a lovely summer sipper as well, especially if served just above fridge temperature.

FAQ

Where does Fleurie wine originate?

Fleurie is one of the ten Beaujolais Crus, prestigious sub-regions that have earned their own appellation. Fleurie is south of Moulin-à-Vent and Chénas, and north of Morgon, on the sunny western slopes that make the Beaujolais hills. Fleurie’s 830 hectares of vineyards are located in the commune of the same name, at an average altitude of 340 metres over pink granite.

What does Fleurie wine taste like?

Fleurie is always made with Gamay, Beaujolais’ flagship varietal. Fleurie wine has a crimson red colour and pale opacity. The wines are always fruit-forward and approachable, with red fruit aromas and subtle floral scents in the background. Fleurie wine is generous and juicy on the palate, with noticeable but silken-smooth tannins and gripping acidity extending long into the aftertaste. Fleurie is an approachable wine, even for non-wine drinkers, and it’s as enjoyable on its own as it is with food.

Which food groups pair well with Fleurie wine?

Fleurie wines pair well with white meat, mainly grilled pork, veal, roasted poultry, pork sausages, dry-cured meats, semi-hard cheese and hearty finger food. Fleurie wine will also shine with food served with fruit-based sauces, including cranberry sauce. The wine is best enjoyed slightly chilled below 10°C, but it’s also enjoyable between 13-15°C, especially if served with food. Fleurie wine can age for between 2 to 4 years after the vintage. The region’s finest examples can be much more complex and age-worthy.