Mathieu Paquet 2022 Moulin–Vent Les Fromentaux is a beautifully expressive Cru Beaujolais that shows how serious Gamay can be when grown on the granite soils of Moulin–Vent. Structured yet vibrant, it delivers layers of dark cherry, raspberry, spice, and mineral tension with the elegance often compared to fine Burgundy. Energetic and precise, this wine balances youthful fruit with subtle earthy complexitymaking it both immediately enjoyable and capable of aging for several years.
Origins & Craftsmanship
This wine comes from the Moulin–Vent appellation, one of the ten crus of Beaujolais located in northern Beaujolais between the villages of Romanche-Thorins and Chnas. The region is widely considered the most structured and age-worthy of the Beaujolais crus due to its granite-rich soils and hillside vineyards, which produce concentrated Gamay with depth and longevity.
Producer Mathieu Paquet is part of a new generation of Burgundian ngociant-vignerons who work closely with small growers to bottle site-specific wines that highlight terroir and traditional winemaking. Paquet grew up in the Mconnais at his family estate and later began collaborating with trusted growers to craft wines that reflect individual vineyard sites with minimal intervention.
Les Fromentaux is sourced from vineyards planted to Gamay Noir, the only permitted grape in Moulin–Vent wines.
Winemaking emphasizes transparency and freshness:
- Hand-harvested Gamay grapes
- Fermentation typically carried out with whole clusters
- Traditional Beaujolais maceration techniques to enhance fruit and aromatics
- Gentle aging in neutral vessels to preserve the purity of the vineyard expression
The 2022 vintage was warm and generous, allowing the wine to achieve ripeness while maintaining the bright acidity and floral aromatics typical of top Moulin–Vent.
Alcohol typically reaches around 14% ABV, reflecting the ripeness of the fruit in the 2022 growing season.
Tasting Profile
Nose:
Bright aromas of black cherry, raspberry, violet, crushed granite, and pink peppercorn.
Palate:
Medium-to-full bodied with juicy red and black fruits, subtle earthiness, and fine mineral structure.
Finish:
Long and fresh with lingering cherry, spice, and gentle tannins.
Quick Overview
Recommended Service
Serving Temperature:
Serve slightly cool at 5560F (1316C).
Decanting:
Optional 2030 minutes to allow the wines aromatics to fully open.
Food Pairings:
Excellent with roasted chicken, duck breast, grilled pork, charcuterie, mushroom dishes, or aged cheeses.
