Domaine Diochon Moulin-a-Vent 'Vieilles Vignes'

At the foot of the rolling vineyards of Moulin-à-Vent, Domaine Diochon has been making Beaujolais the old-fashioned way since 1935. Bernard Diochon succeeded his father in 1967. As a torchbearer to the ancestral methods passed down to him, Bernard explains, “I like tannic wines without heaviness; with fruit and floral aromas. Every vigneron naturally chooses to make wines in the style they prefer.” In 2007, Bernard wanted to retire but had no heirs. He appointed Thomas Patenôtre as his heir apparent, which has turned out to be an easy transition. We are grateful that the Diochon tradition continues through Thomas, safeguarding the ancestral methods that have distinguished the domaine’s wines for nearly a century.

Diochon’s muscular red may not be as immediately accessible as the other crus, but it will change any preconceived notions you may have about Beaujolais. Deep, dark aromas of earth and blackberries put a powerful spin on quaffability.