Moulin-à-Vent French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Moulin-à-Vent is often called the "King of Beaujolais", the most powerful and long-lived of the ten crus, producing structured Gamay reds that can rival fine Burgundy with age.
More info about Moulin-à-Vent
Geographic position
Eastern France, straddling the Rhône and Saône-et-Loire departments, in the villages of Romanèche-Thorins and Chénas, about 15 km south of Mâcon, between Fleurie and Chénas.
Origin & history
The appellation takes its name from a 300-year-old windmill standing on the hill above the vineyards, now a listed historic monument. Its wines were already prized in the 18th century, and Moulin-à-Vent became an AOC in 1936. Since 2018, single-vineyard "climats" may appear on the label.
Wines & grape varieties
Red wine only, from 100% Gamay Noir. Young wines show cherry, raspberry, violet and iris; with 5 to 15 years of age they develop notes of plum, spice, truffle and undergrowth, often compared to Pinot Noir.
Climate & soil
Semi-continental climate. Pink, coarse-grained granite rich in manganese, which is thought to give the wines their depth, structure and longevity.
Wine region: Beaujolais
Grape varieties: Gamay, Pinot Noir