If Beaujolais immediately makes you think of simple, young red wine, you still have a lot of beauty to discover. The region also produces characterful cru wines, originating from the best Beaujolais vineyards. A prime example is the **Brouilly Vieilles Vignes 2025 from Château Moulin Favre**: a juicy, refined red wine with plenty of red fruit, soft tannins and surprisingly deep complexity.
This new addition to our assortment perfectly illustrates why we are so enthusiastic about good Beaujolais.
What is Brouilly?
Brouilly is one of the ten Beaujolais crus, and also the largest and most southerly cru of the region. A cru is a delimited wine region with its own terroir and recognizable wine style. Wines from Brouilly can therefore bear the name of the region on the label, without 'Beaujolais' needing to be mentioned.
The vineyards are located around Mont Brouilly and largely consist of granite-rich soils. This poor, stony soil forces the vines to root deeply. This results in wines that are not only fruity and approachable, but also possess refinement, minerality, and structure.
Gamay: light-footed, yet full of character
Like almost all red Beaujolais, Brouilly is made from the Gamay grape. Gamay is known for its lively fruitiness and aromas of strawberry, raspberry, cherry, and violets. The grape typically produces wines with fresh acidity and relatively soft tannins.
This makes Brouilly an excellent choice for lovers of smooth red wine, but also for those who usually prefer white or rosé. The wine feels light and fresh, without being thin or simple.
What does Vieilles Vignes mean?
On the label of this Brouilly, you'll find the term *Vieilles Vignes*, French for old vines. Old vines generally produce fewer grapes, but the grapes they yield are often more concentrated in flavor. Their roots also reach deeper into the soil, allowing them to find moisture and nutrients even during dry periods.
The result is a wine with just that bit more intensity, structure, and length, while maintaining the characteristic fresh and fruity style of Brouilly.
Château Moulin Favre: six generations of winemakers
Château Moulin Favre is located on the hill of Combiaty, nestled amidst the Beaujolais vineyards. The family estate is managed by Céline and Armand Vernus, now the sixth generation of winemakers in the family. Of the seventeen hectares of vineyards, no less than eleven hectares are dedicated to Brouilly.
The grapes are harvested entirely by hand. After harvesting, they are destemmed, which contributes to the round and silky tannins so characteristic of the estate's wines. The different plots are fermented separately, preserving the character of each terroir. The Brouilly then ages in tank to highlight its freshness and pure fruit.
The estate operates according to sustainable agricultural methods and has been HVE certified since 2019. In 2025, Céline and Armand were also named winemakers of the year in Beaujolais by the Guide Hachette des Vins. [Read more about Château Moulin Favre](https://www.chateaumoulinfavre.com/) and the [Guide Hachette award](https://www.hachette-vins.com/guide-vins/actualite-vin/739/armand-et-celine-vernus-chateau-moulin-favre-vignerons-de-lannee-du-guide-hachette-2025-dans-le-beaujolais/).
How does this Brouilly taste?
The Moulin-Favre Brouilly Vieilles Vignes 2025 has a deep ruby red color and an inviting aroma of ripe cherries, raspberries, and other red fruits. Behind that, you'll discover a subtle floral note and a slight mineral nuance.
On the palate, the wine is juicy and smooth, with plenty of fruit, fresh acidity, and soft, round tannins. The old vines give the wine extra concentration and depth, without losing its elegant and easy-drinking character. The finish is refined, harmonious, and pleasantly long.
What to pair with Brouilly?
Brouilly is a particularly versatile food wine. Its fresh fruit and soft structure make it a good match for, among other things:
* Roasted chicken or duck
* Pork tenderloin and veal
* Charcuterie, paté, and soft cheeses
* Grilled vegetables
* Mushroom risotto
* Pumpkin ravioli with sage
* A well-stocked charcuterie board
You can also serve this wine lightly chilled. A serving temperature of approximately **14 to 16 degrees** makes the fruit extra lively. This makes it not only a beautiful wine for autumn, but also a delicious red wine for a summer drink or barbecue.
