Fleurie AOC

Winemaking in Fleurie stretches back more than 2,000 years to Roman times, with the name itself derived from either a Roman legionary named Florus or a general's title Floricum, not from the appellation's celebrated floral wines. Benedictine monks revived viticulture in the 10th century, and Lyonnais bourgeoisie drove significant expansion in the 15th century. By the 19th century, Fleurie wines were distributed widely across France and into England. The appellation received its AOC status in the 1930s, with a preliminary designation established in 1927, the same year La Cave des Producteurs des Grands Vins de Fleurie cooperative was founded, making it the oldest cooperative in Beaujolais.

• Roman-era viticulture confirmed; name traces to Roman legionary Florus or general Floricum
• Benedictine monks reestablished wine production in the 10th century
• AOC formalized in the 1930s; preliminary cru designation awarded in 1927
• La Cave des Producteurs cooperative (est. 1927) is the oldest in all of Beaujolais

Fleurie sits between Moulin-à-Vent to the north and Morgon to the south, with Chiroubles to the west. Ninety percent of the appellation rests on pink granite with clay and sand, a saprolite structure that provides exceptional drainage and encourages deep vine rooting. Sandy soils dominate the higher slopes while clay-retaining soils are more prevalent lower down. This creates meaningful variation across the appellation: western, clay-influenced sites yield more complex and structured wines, while lighter, more delicate expressions come from sandy southern parcels. The climate is temperate continental, benefiting from high sunshine hours tempered by Mediterranean influences, resulting in slow and steady ripening with balanced acidity.

• 90% pink granite soils with clay and sand (saprolite); unique to the region
• Elevation ranges from 340 to 500 meters; La Madone sits at the appellation's highest point
• Sandy upper slopes produce lighter wines; clay-influenced lower and western sites yield structure
• Mediterranean cooling influence moderates the continental climate and preserves acidity

Fleurie produces light to medium-bodied red wines from 100% Gamay Noir. The style is defined by silk-textured tannins, balanced acidity, and a pronounced floral aromatic profile featuring violets, iris, roses, and peony. Red fruit notes of strawberry, cherry, and raspberry complete the picture. The wines are approachable young but reward patience in top vintages, with the ability to age for 4 to 16 years and develop additional complexity and mineral characteristics over time. Fleurie is one of the most widely exported Cru Beaujolais to the United States, testament to its broad appeal.

• 100% Gamay Noir; light to medium body with silky tannins
• Floral aromatics: violets, iris, rose, peony; red fruit: strawberry, cherry, raspberry
• Top vintages age 4 to 16 years, gaining complexity and mineral depth
• One of the most exported Cru Beaujolais to the United States

Fleurie contains 10 named lieux-dits, the most famous being La Madone, which sits at 400 to 500 meters elevation and is home to a celebrated chapel that has become a symbol of the appellation. The cru is actively pursuing Premier Cru classification, with seven lieux-dits selected to represent 27% of the total appellation area. Hand-harvesting is prevalent throughout Fleurie, and organic viticulture along with terre-vitis certification is common among producers, reflecting a broad commitment to environmentally responsible farming.

• 10 named lieux-dits; La Madone is the most iconic, rising to 500 meters
• Seven lieux-dits selected for proposed Premier Cru classification, covering 27% of the appellation
• Hand-harvesting standard; organic and terre-vitis certifications common
• Often called the Queen of Beaujolais; Moulin-à-Vent holds the title of King