Julienas Wine Region

Juliénas wine region produces red wines, made of Gamay grapes from in the North of Beaujolais, France. It is known for its spice notes and high fruity content. Juliéna Wine has a shorter lifespan and it should be drunk no more than two to three years from vintage. As in most Beaujolais appellation laws, there is a small amount of white wine allowed in the Juliéna blend.

The region extends across 40 communes, following the course of the river Rhone between Lyon and Valence. The climate is the Mediterranean, which means that rain is rare but when it does come it falls mainly in the winter months (December-February). This region has been protected by law since 1953 because of its natural beauty – you can see Italian influence on architecture, especially in the villages along the river.

Check out wine tastings and tours in Julienas!

Where is Julienas Wine Region?

Julienas wine region is one of the most popular in the world. Located in France, this region was even classified as an Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) since 1936 and is now a member of the prestigious Alliance de Qualité pour les Vins de l'Alliance Européenne (AQVA).

Historical Background of Julienas Wine Region

When the Roman legions first arrived, they found themselves surrounded by the Gallic men. As they quenched their thirst, they saw that the Gauls had decorated their huts with skulls in a show of submission, From this is where the name of Julienas is came.

 There could be a similar village called Jullié at one point, but there is no evidence of this. The name Juliénas instead came from two words: “Julius” and “As” meaning property of.

 Juliénas is relatively old if judged by the archaeological remains and Gallo-Roman tombs that have been recorded here. For a very long time it was on the natural artery for migrations from the Saone Valley to the west and northwest, and inversely. The region of Beaujolais is famous for its wines and grape-growing, with the vineyards stretching far and wide. The grapes used here have been around for thousands of years, making this area a viticultural center.

Type of Terroir of Julienas Wine Region

The soil in this area is made up of a rock material called blue stone. Schist and diorite make up this particular kind of stone, which is unusual because it was only found in the Cru Brouilly and the Cru Côte de Brouilly before being exploited more extensively. 

The Cru Juliénas is home to diverse soils and geology in the Beaujolais region. It is a small structure with a steep slope and wide open south, but rounds out to face east on a base of ancient alluvium.

With its lush slopes, thriving vineyards and sun-soaked soil, Juliènas is a perfect area for the grape variety Gamay Noir à jus Blanc to grow.

The fresh, beautifully bodied wine has a lovely nose of floral and berry notes. The Juléna is great to enjoy on its own but will improve with age.

Characteristics of Julienas Wine

Gamay (Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc in full) is a grape variety that is most famous for producing the light, fruit-driven red wines of Beaujolais. While wines may not seem like the first category people think of when they want to relax, many people look for an all-natural alternative that doesn't require too much effort. There are a few key flavors and smells available - like fruit and sweetness - but not a lot in the way of taste flavors or weight.

Juliénas vignerons take the Gamay Noir grape and make something bold and powerful to put in a red wine glass. Indeed, it shouldn't surprise that this praetorian version of Beaujolais is full-bodied.

The complexity is at least partially attributable to the varied soils types found here, which run the gamut from the familiar pink granite to ancient alluvial and clay. 

This Cru was formally recognized in 1938, and Romans began planting the region's first vineyards 2,000 years ago. Today, 120 producers work the vineyards, which now surround the villages ofJuliénas, Jullié, Emeringes, and Pruzilly. The region itself is located just south of the most northern Cru,Saint-Amour.

Food to Pair with Julienas Wine

Bouchée à la reine

Bouchées à  La Reine are small savory dumplings filled with a mixture of white sauce and chicken, truffles, white wine, and mushrooms. There are also a variety of filling variations including veal & olives.

Pastries have been around for a long time, but mostly as food. The invention of pastries as an appetizer is owed to the wife of Louis XV and the Queen of France, who are usually named Marie Leczinska.

Terrine de foie gras de canard

Foie gras is actually an incredibly French dish, and it’s prepared in many different ways. You can prepare either a terrine or glazed foie gras, i.e., wrapped up in thin slices of dried fruit or sugar. This rich spread should be stored carefully - and preferably frozen to keep it as fresh as possible!

Reblochon

Reblochon is a semi-hard, pressed cheese, made from unpasteurized cow's milk that must ripen for at least 15 days in the departments of Savoie and Haute-Savoie in France. 

This old tale takes place in a fictitious setting, but one that is realistic in the sense that cheese is often used as a means of tax evasion.

Places to Visit in Julienas Wine Region

In this region you can find the weekly market in Juliénas is held on Mondays from 8 am to noon. The Christmas market is also offered during December.

The talk of the town was this festival that was held in November. Visitors enjoyed a wide variety of interesting events, always centred around wine and Victor Peyret’s personality.

Also you can find Montagne Rémont depuis Juliénas, this is a 6.0-km loop trail near Chénas, Rhône. In general, it is considered an easy route, which takes an average of 2 hours and 21 minutes to travel. This route is excellent for hiking whit and has a special view from the top.

Frequently Asked Questions About Julienas Wine Region