This small region at the southern end of Burgundy is best known for producing simple, fruity red wines and that annual oddity the Beaujolais Nouveau. This is a slightly unfair view of Beaujolais and quality is much better than this would suggest.

Beaujolais is dominated by local co-operatives and larger merchants, while the gaps are filled by a plethora of tiny properties.

At the top of the Beaujolais appellation system are the ten Beaujolais ‘crus’ villages, each with their own style: All Beaujolais is made entirely from the Gamay grape and, while it is true that the simpler wines should be drunk as young as possible, most of the ‘crus’ will benefit from a few years’ ageing. This is a much-maligned region, which can nevertheless produce delicious wines.