Maison Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages 2009

"Strong red purple colour. Fresh red fruits on the nose with a hint of dark cherry. Slightly spicy with a touch of grey pepper

The slightly darker-colored and more serious 1999 Beaujolais-Villages is tighter and more structured. Black cherries and grapes are found in its silky-textured, medium-bodied character. Drink this excellent value between 2001 and 2004.

Silky and medium-bodied, this red offers sappy cherry and wet earth flavors, with vibrant acidity on the finish. Drink now.

Beaune-based Louis Jadot has upgrades its Beaujolais operations in recent years, seeing an opportunity for growth. The 2002 vintage of its flagship Beaujolais, Château des Jacques, hasn't been released yet, but this fine Beaujolais-Villages shows that the commitment to quality is real. The glass overflows with blackberry and black cherry aromas, while in the mouth the wine is clean, fresh and charming.

Light-bodied red and black cherry fruit with a violet note as well. Slightly earthy, firm finish. Drink now.

Yes, I know Beaujolais Nouveau is out of favor, it's yesterday's wine. But this isn't Nouveau, this is the real stuff, the original up-front fruity wine. Made from Gamay grape, it's packed with strawberries, cherries, and soft, generous fruit. There's a slight earthy, mineral touch to it that stops it just being a fruit bomb, and turns it into an easy food wine, especially with salamis, sausages or burgers.

Found on restaurant lists worldwide, Jadot's signature Beaujolais is deservedly considered to be the perfect wine match for every menu. Its pleasant, light fruitiness and gentle texture put almost any food in its best light and provide a refreshing alternative to heavier and sometimes overpowering Cabernets and Merlots.