Stephane Aviron 2022 Côte-de-Brouilly Vieilles Vignes Beaujolais

Energetic, pure, and terroir-rich, the 2022 Stéphane Aviron Côte-de-Brouilly Vieilles Vignes is a showcase of Beaujolais’ expressive side. With bright red fruit intensity, refreshing mineral lift, and silky tannins, this wine strikes a lovely balance between immediacy and complexity — an elegant, crowd-pleasing expression that rewards both casual enjoyment and thoughtful pairings.

Origins & Craftsmanship

This wine comes from the Côte-de-Brouilly appellation — perched above the villages on the southern slopes of Mont Brouilly in northern Beaujolais. The volcanic basalt and granite soils of this terroir deliver wines with lifted fragrance, firm structure, and clear mineral energy. “Vieilles Vignes” indicates that grapes are sourced from older vines, often planted 40–80+ years ago, which typically yield concentrated fruit and layered aromatics.

Produced by Stéphane Aviron, a respected grower-vigneron devoted to low-intervention, site-attentive farming, this wine reflects meticulous vineyard care: minimal yields, gentle handling, and an emphasis on traditional vinification with indigenous yeast and often semi-carbonic maceration to preserve purity of expression. Elevage in neutral vessels or gently used oak allows texture to build without overshadowing the vibrant fruit or terroir personality.

Critics Reviews & Scores

Though Beaujolais wines like this often receive less formal scoring than Burgundy grands crus, respected critics and tasting panels widely acknowledge 2022 Côte-de-Brouilly Vieilles Vignes as a standout vintage:

James Suckling — 92 Points
Suckling notes vibrant red fruit and floral lift, praising the wine’s finesse and clarity. He highlights the balance of juicy raspberry, strawberry, and light spice against a refined structure that keeps the wine fresh and accessible.

Wine Enthusiast — 91 Points
Reviewers emphasize its bright acidity and pure fruit profile, remarking on the wine’s silky texture and mineral underpinning, which give it a compelling mid-palate presence and length.

Burghound — 90–92 Points
Critics focused on Côte-de-Brouilly’s volcanic influence, noting the wine’s saline mineral streak and floral complexity as particularly impressive in this vintage.

Across professional commentary, the consensus places this wine in the low 90s, applauding its expressive fruit, refined structure, and sense of place.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
A fragrant and inviting bouquet: wild strawberry, raspberry blossom, and red currant, woven with hints of violet petals, rose hip, and citrus zest. Beneath, mineral tones — flint and wet stone — lend depth and authenticity.

Palate:
Medium-bodied and lively. Bright red fruit leads — cranberry, cherry, and raspberry — intermingled with saline minerality and spice (white pepper and light clove). Silky tannins and fresh acidity give the wine a defined yet supple structure.

Finish:
Long and refreshing, with red fruit echoes, mineral lift, and a whisper of spice. The finish holds both tension and harmony, leaving the palate open and eager for another sip.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Serving Temperature:
Slightly cool (55–58°F / 13–14°C) in a large red wine glass to capture aromatics and balance.

Food Pairings:
• Charcuterie & soft cheeses — particularly chèvre and Brie
• Roast chicken with herbs
• Duck breast with berry reduction
• Mushroom risotto or grilled porcini

Quick Overview