Xavier Benier Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau 2025

Xavier Benier makes this Beaujolais-Villages from 6.5 hectares in the south of the region, just above Saint-Julien, working the vines without chemicals in the tradition of the natural winemaker Jules Chauvet. As a Nouveau it is made for release within weeks of harvest, using carbonic maceration, where whole bunches ferment in a carbon dioxide rich tank and the fruit begins to ferment from within each berry before crushing. This intracellular fermentation is what gives the style its vivid colour, low tannin and lifted, almost floral fruit, and can leave the light banana and boiled-sweet character often found in young Beaujolais. The colour is a bright, translucent purple. The nose overflows with freshly picked cherry and raspberry, with red currant and a floral top note. The palate is light bodied, juicy and low in tannin, with crisp acidity and a short, thirst-quenching finish. This is a wine to drink young and slightly cool rather than to keep. Serve at 12 to 13 degrees, and do not hesitate to chill it in summer. It suits charcuterie, roast pork and simple poultry.