The Perrachon family has been involved in the wine trade since 1601, when they first settled in Juliénas in Beaujolais. Today, Laurent Perrachon and his wife Martine, along with his children, Maxime and Adrien (the sixth generation to work in the family business), run the domaine, which began producing estate wines in 1877. The vineyards consists of 26 hectares in six of the ten Beaujolais Crus: Juliénas (where they are still based), Morgon, Moulin à Vent, Fleurie, Chenas and Saint-Amour. The Perrachons have one of the most extensive and comprehensive Cru holidings among independent producers in Beaujolais. In addition to the Crus, the family also makes Beaujolais and Beaujolais-Villages; red, white and rosé. All grapes are hand-harvested and the wines are fermented with native yeasts, then aged in their vaulted cellars which were built in 1701!

Domaine des Perelles' Moulin à Vent is made of 100% Gamay grown in shallow granite and clay soils from 60+ year-old vines fermented in tank and aged for 12 months in oak foudres. In the glass, the wine shows a lovely mid-garnet color with purple reflections. The nose has an intoxicating medley of cherries, violets, roses and ripe peaches. The palate is wonderfully structured: vibrant acidity, earthy minerality, soft, delectable tannins wrap around and frame a heady concentration of succulent stone fruits, flowers and licorice flavors. The finish is elegant, refined and persistent, driven by lip-smacking freshness and a complex mélange of fruits. After tasting the wine you clearly see why Moulin à Vent is known as the Lord of Beaujolais! You can certainly enjoy a bottle tonight, though it will develop nicely over the next 5+ years. Enjoy with seared duck breast with a cherry sauce or a classic steak frites.