Beaujolais Pascal Aufranc

 

 

Pascal Aufranc: A Pioneer in Beaujolais’ Chénas Cru

Pascal Aufranc, based in the Chénas appellation of Beaujolais, is known for producing refined, terroir-driven Gamay wines. His estate, located in the historic En Rémont vineyard, is perched at 450 meters above sea level, bordering the renowned Moulin-à-Vent cru. Pascal Aufranc’s vineyards are home to old vines planted as far back as 1939, providing a unique depth and concentration to his wines.

Terroir and Vineyards

The vineyards lie on granite-rich soils, interspersed with quartz and sandy components. These soils are ideal for the Gamay variety, forcing the vines to send their roots deep into the ground, resulting in smaller berries with more intense flavors. The region’s well-drained, low-fertility soils contribute to the structured, mineral-driven style of Aufranc’s wines​.

Chénas is one of the ten Beaujolais crus and is particularly noted for its age-worthy, fuller-bodied wines. Aufranc’s vineyards in the Vignes de 1939 plot produce Chénas wines that stand out for their red fruit and floral character, with elegant tannins and a bright acidity that reflects the region’s cool continental climate

Winemaking Philosophy

Pascal Aufranc takes a minimalist approach to winemaking, allowing the terroir to shine through in each bottle. His wines are fermented using native yeasts, and they often spend time aging in concrete vats, which help retain the freshness and vibrancy of the fruit without imparting oak flavors. His wines typically undergo a long maceration process, which enhances the extraction of color and tannins, resulting in balanced, elegant wines with a distinct mineral finish​

Notable Wines

  • Vignes de 1939 (Chénas): Made from old vines planted in 1939, this wine showcases deep notes of raspberry, black cherry, and subtle spices, with a lively acidity and structured tannins. Aged in concrete vats, it reflects the granitic soils with a fine, mineral-driven finish​
     
  • Naturellement (Chénas): This cuvée highlights Pascal Aufranc’s commitment to producing wines with minimal intervention. It offers fresh red fruit flavors, floral aromatics, and a silky texture​.