4 and 6 bottle levels    $21 (member price $18)
100% Gamay  13.0% ABV

2021 was a challenging vintage for the Beaujolais region.  Frost and snow in April hurt new vine growth, then June and July saw heavy rain.  Thankfully by August the grapes had dried out, and the harvest was late, but judged a success.  I mention this because the 2021 Château de Jarnioux surprised me, as compared to past vintages.  For the 2021 vintage, the grapes struggled to ripen, resulting in more complex flavors.  While the hallmark aromatics are there, as are strawberry and violet notes on the palate, there’s also a iron-rich mineral quality to the wine, especially on the nose and palate.  While Beaujolais of this rank are meant to be light and refreshing, and great with or without food, the minerality of Château de Jarnioux means that you should pair it with food.  When pairing, think about it like a Cru Beaujolais.  Aged in stainless steel.

Food Pairing Suggestions:
Enjoy this juicy red with roast chicken and crispy potatoes, Thai style turkey burgers, seared duck breast with cherry reduction, chicken with tarragon cream sauce, ham croquettes, beef stroganoff, garlicky sausages and lentils, steak tartare over arugula, classic ‘steak frites’, duck confit over mesclun greens, coq au vin, lamb tajine with apricot couscous and butternut squash ravioli with brown butter sage sauce. After dinner, enjoy a glass with French charcuterie such as patés, terrines, rillettes and saucisson sec along with white-rinded cheeses such as Brie and Camembert.