Alexandre Burgaud Lantignié Beaujolais-Villages 2019

Here’s the 23nd installment of The Wine Chef’s December "Advent Calendar" wine series.

Beaujolais red wine is one of my favorites, especially during the holidays. It comes from east-central France, just south of Burgundy, and is made from the Gamay grape—a cross between Pinot Noir and an ancient white variety called Gouais.

Gamay makes wines with soft tannins, mouthwatering acidity, and juicy fruit. It pairs well with everything from cheese platters and salads to turkey, stuffing, and rib roast, so I always keep a bottle on hand during the holidays.

This year, I was introduced (by way of a sample) to the Alexandre Burgaud Lantignié Beaujolais-Villages 2019, and it’s quickly become a favorite. The Lantignié vineyards, known for their granite-rich soils, are considered some of the best in the Beaujolais-Villages area, and you can taste it in the wine.

This Gamay has a gorgeous ruby color and smells like fresh cherries and strawberries, with earthy notes of slate and soil planted with garden herbs and flowers. When you take a sip, the palate is lively with a racy acidity and stony minerality—it’s the kind of wine that feels light but has plenty of flavor, making it easy to keep pouring another glass.

Alexandre Burgaud is part of a new generation of winemakers who are bringing fresh energy to Beaujolais. He practices organic farming and takes a minimalist approach in the winery, allowing the grapes and terroir to shine. His philosophy aligns with the Beaujolais "Gang of Four"—Marcel Lapierre, Guy Breton, Jean Foillard, and Jean-Paul Thévenet—who, starting in the 1980s and inspired by winemaker Jules Chauvet, championed organic farming, minimal intervention, and the pure expression of Gamay and its terroir.

The tart cherry and berry notes come alive alongside a meal, making it a perfect match for holiday dinners. I will happily raise my glass to this wine that gives the true character of Gamay and its terroir in every sip!