Moulin-à-Vent

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Accessory grape varieties

Terroir

• The geographical zone extends across the eastern flank of the Monts du Beaujolais, mainly over the Montagne de Rémont, which reaches a peak altitude of 510 metres.
• Plot elevations range from 190 to 420 metres, with sometimes steep slopes to the west overlooking Chénas and gentler gradients and terraces to the east towards Romanèche-Thorins.
• Some 80% of the soils have developed on friable, pink-coloured sandy granite grus derived from the weathering of the granitic bedrock, known locally as 'grès' or 'gore'.
• The soils are generally well drained and impregnated with iron and manganese oxides dispersed from veins cutting through the granitic mass; the most important manganese deposit in France was discovered around 1750 at Romanèche-Thorins.
• The Monts du Beaujolais shelter the zone from westerly winds and moderate Atlantic influence; the foehn effect they generate dries the air, increases luminosity, and reduces rainfall.

• The appellation takes its name from a windmill built in 1550 on the hill of Romanèche-Thorins, listed as a historic monument and visible from a great distance across the vineyard.
• Before the appellation was recognised by the decree of 11 September 1936, the wines were sold under the name 'Thorins ou Moulin-à-Vent' or as 'Romanèche-Thorins'; the name 'Thorins' was subsequently abandoned.
• Growers control the vigour of the Gamay variety through high planting density and short pruning, and vinify by combining traditional fermentation with semi-carbonic maceration.

• The wines display a deep colour ranging from ruby to garnet, with floral aromas and ripe red fruits that evolve with age towards spice, truffle, and game.
• The palate is generous and full-bodied, balancing power, complexity, and elegance; the wines gain in finesse and power after several years of cellaring.

• The granitic bedrock, owing to its low fertility, encourages moderate yields and contributes to the development of the fruity aromas perceptible in the wines.

Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the source.

All appellations in France

Sources

• Product specification (BO Agri, PDF) — approved 20 février 2024, JORF 25 février 2024
• Official INAO text (show_texte)
• INAO product entry
• Official trade body site — Inter Beaujolais