Mathieu Paquet 2023 Beaujolais Villages les Granitiques

Mathieu Paquet 2023 Beaujolais-Villages “Les Granitiques” is a vibrant, terroir-driven Gamay that delivers far more character than its modest appellation suggests. Sourced from granite-rich hillside vineyards in northern Beaujolais, it offers bright red fruit, floral lift, and a distinctive mineral backbone. Fresh, energetic, and wonderfully drinkable, it captures the charm and authenticity that make classic Beaujolais one of the most enjoyable red wines in the world.

Origins & Craftsmanship
Mathieu Paquet, a native of the Mâconnais in southern Burgundy, works closely with small growers across Beaujolais and Mâcon to bottle wines that clearly express their terroir. The wines are produced at his family estate, Domaine des Valanges, emphasizing minimal intervention and careful sourcing from trusted vineyard partners.

The “Les Granitiques” cuvée comes from a parcel of pink granite soils on the hillside slopes of Lantignié, an area often considered to have cru-level potential within Beaujolais. Granite soils are especially important in the region because they help Gamay develop vibrant fruit character and a distinctive mineral edge.

The grapes are organically farmed Gamay Noir, harvested from mature vines cultivated by a longtime friend of the Paquet family. The fruit is whole-cluster pressed using a traditional screw press, then fermented on the skins in concrete tanks before resting briefly in neutral oak. The wine is bottled unfiltered, unfined, and with minimal sulfur, preserving purity and natural texture.

The result is a wine that highlights the granite terroir of the site—bright, mineral, and energetic while remaining approachable and expressive.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Expressive aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry, accented by pink peppercorn and subtle granite-driven minerality.

Palate:
Light-to-medium bodied with fresh red berries, juicy acidity, and gentle tannins, supported by earthy undertones and a mineral backbone.

Finish:
Bright and refreshing with lingering red fruit, spice, and stony minerality.

Quick Overview

Food Pairings

This lively Gamay pairs beautifully with:

• Roast chicken or turkey

• Charcuterie and pâté

• Grilled salmon or tuna

• Mushroom dishes or vegetable tarts

• Soft cheeses such as Brie or Camembert