The steep northern slopes of Juliénas yield impressively fleshy, spicy wines with surprising backbone. Popular legend has it that this appellation, named after Julius Caesar, was the first Beaujolais village to be planted with vines. Reminiscent of Fleurie (with added spice and flesh) in its youth, it shows a velvety class and depth as it ages.

Probably at its best at 2-3 years old, its structure normally enables it to continue to age up to and beyond its 5^th birthday.  Ideally situated on granite-based soils that suit the Gamay grape so well, Juliénas’s 600ha of vineyards probably produces a higher overall standard of wine than any other Cru; certainly its wines are the most underrated.