Aurélien Burgaud ‘Grignette’ Beaujolais Rouge 2021
Location: France, Beaujolais
Winemaker: Aurélien Burgaud
Grapes: Gamay
From the Producer: ‘Grignette’ My first cuvée is drinkable, fruity, but not without complexity! The wine has a good balance and should be drunk chilled; jovial and elegant, a playful ruby in the glass. It is a wine in the spirit of so-called “natural” wines, but with intelligence and temperance. Ideal to accompany a mâchon (a Lyonnaise expression of ‘a good French breakfast’—think fromage blanc, andouillettes, and the like.). Santé!
My new life begins in 2017, when I turned to viticulture. A homecoming in my native Beaujolais. I learnt the trade from a winegrower at a large estate, discovering the rigor, humility and wonder necessary to make great wine. Many observations, reflections and encounters quickly made me question "knowledge" to continue my learning, and to "make" the wine I love. The need to express my singular sensitivity encouraged me to embark on this adventure in the spring of 2020.
Have fun…and share it! The winemaker is a solitary character and at the same time open to encounters. It suits me. First of all, living through the seasons by following the cycles of the vine (from the solitude of pruning in winter, to the euphoria of the harvest in autumn!).... Learning, adapting and understanding that most work is support work. I consider myself part of a whole that respects me, and that I respect every day in return. It's not always easy, but it gives meaning to life. And finally, there is the help of friends. And mainly that of my dear cousin Sylvain, without whom the epic would not have seen the light of day. In short, live your dream and share it with others!
The resulting wine is the result of artisanal work in the vineyard: manual plowing, controlled grassing, pickaxe work, organic treatments against vine diseases, biodynamic preparations and harvesting with friends. I really like to observe, experiment and embellish (vegetation covers, living soil, flower seedlings, etc.).
Most of my work is therefore done in the vineyard. The quality of the grape will make that of the wine. I vinify as natural as possible, depending on the conditions of the year. Thus, the fruit of the 2020 vintage gives a jovial and elegant Beaujolais—as it should be!
I attach great importance to respect for the environment and the people who work. I chose to be a winegrower to be free and happy. Continuing the work of my ancestors gives meaning to my practice. Believing in poetry more than in technique provides emotion. All that remains is to share my wine with you—thus the adventure is all the more beautiful!