Wine of the Week: Jaffelin Fleurie 2019

If you’re looking for a red to chill, meet Jaffelin Fleurie.

Move over white wines! Sometimes, the job requires a chilled red. This wine from one of the Beaujolais crus is just the right pick for an end of summer soirée. Maison Jaffelin’s Fleurie hits the spot as the perfect summer red wine.

Cru Beaujolais wines are some of the greatest hidden gems in the market. Far from the simplicity of Beaujolais Nouveau, these wines rich and complex. Gamay shines as a grape of elegance and intrigue in a bottle from one of the ten Beaujolais crus.

Fleurie AOC

The unique terroir of the crus is what sets them apart from an average Beaujolais. Due to slight differences in climate and land, each cru has its own personality when it comes to the final product in the bottle. These individual AOCs are located north of the general Beaujolais vineyards, on land with better sloping and soils. Here, hand-harvesting is the rule, and the yields are lower. Additionally, the production requirements are stricter. For example, all Beaujolais cru wines must be red and 100% Gamay with a minimum alcohol of 10%. Separate “climats,” or single vineyard sites have even stricter regulations if they want to include their name on the bottle.

Fleurie AOC is arguably one of the more popular Beaujolais crus, established in 1936. The name is actually attributed to the legend of a Roman legionnaire named “Florus.” Although, “Fleurie,” as in “flower,” is also used to describe the style of wine from this area, which often has aromas of violets and roses.

There are just over 2,000 acres under vine here around the village of Fleurie, with 13 separate “climats.” One of the defining characteristics of this area is the hill called La Madone, which offers vistas of the surrounding appellation.

Jaffelin Fleurie 2019

Jaffelin’s Fleurie is exactly what you would expect from this region. Ripe red berries, a hint of violets, and a soft, round medium-bodied mouthfeel. The cherry flavors are layered in this wine. So, you can tell it’s not quite simple with the first sip. Though, red fruit still dominates the flavor profile, as it should with Gamay.

With a touch of earthy savoriness on the mid-palate, there is just enough to give this wine weight against a meal with peppery pork, sautéed leeks, and potatoes seasoned with herbs. The ripe fruit is the perfect complement to a juicy pork tenderloin, creating a balance of flavors that will surely please.

If it’s hot outside, serve this bottle a bit chilled as a refreshing sipping option. However, as the wine warms up, layers of fruit, spice, flowers, and structure will continue to reveal themselves with each glass.

You can purchase a bottle of Jaffelin Fleurie at 305Wines.com for $22.99.

Visit our “Wine” page on Wine Guide Miami for more bottle recommendations.