Jacky Janodet Moulin-a-Vent

Jacky Janodet Moulin-à-Vent is a 100% Gamay Cru Beaujolais wine bottled at 12.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced from a high percentage of very old vines across Janodet's 17.2-acre estate, this expression regularly draws comparisons to fine Burgundy for its depth and structure — a reputation cemented when the 1991 vintage scored 18.5 out of 20 in a Gault-Millau-sponsored tasting in France.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12.5%  |  Origin: Moulin-à-Vent, Cru Beaujolais, France  |  100% Gamay, Old Vines  |  Producer: Domaine Les Fines Graves

Production & Heritage

Jacky Janodet's Domaine Les Fines Graves farms 17.2 acres in Moulin-à-Vent, the most age-worthy of the ten Beaujolais crus. The fruit undergoes traditional semi-carbonic fermentation in large vats before aging for six months in older barriques — wood seasoned enough to contribute texture without masking the fruit. Assemblage takes place in cement vats before bottling, preserving purity of expression. The estate's high percentage of very old vines is central to the wine's identity, yielding Gamay of uncommon concentration and complexity that stands apart from lighter, more commercial Beaujolais.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with truffles and sweet cherries before unfolding into explosive layers of raspberries, red currants, and ripe plums. A smoky, earthy undertone runs beneath the fruit, signaling the depth the old vines contribute.

Taste: The entry is deceptively light, then the mid-palate expands with fat, rich, and intense fruit — black fruits layered with structured tannins. Despite its power, the wine remains soft and harmonious, with well-balanced acidity keeping everything lifted and precise. There is a brighter element that prevents the weight from becoming heavy.

Finish: Plush fruit lasts through a medium-to-long finish, with acidity and dry tannin giving the close a juicy, crisp quality. A faint smokiness lingers, providing a savory send-off.

How to Drink Janodet Moulin-à-Vent

Serve at a light cellar temperature, around 58–62°F (14–17°C), to allow its Burgundian complexity to emerge without losing freshness. This wine rewards patient sipping on its own but also pairs brilliantly with food. A Coq au Vin mirrors the wine's French heritage and earthy depth. A charcuterie board with saucisson sec and cornichons plays off the smoky, savory notes. Roasted duck breast with a cherry reduction echoes the wine's core fruit beautifully.

Best For

• Introducing a Burgundy lover to the power of Cru Beaujolais
• Pairing with a French-inspired dinner featuring game or roasted poultry
• Cellaring for 5–10 years to explore its aging potential
• Gifting a wine enthusiast who appreciates old-vine character over mass-market labels

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Janodet Moulin-à-Vent taste like? It delivers rich black fruits, structured tannins, and a core of sweet cherry with earthy truffle undertones. Bright acidity keeps the finish juicy and crisp despite its considerable depth.

How does Janodet Moulin-à-Vent compare to Burgundy Pinot Noir? Critics and drinkers consistently describe this wine as "quite Burgundian" due to its silky texture, earthy complexity, and aging potential. The key difference is that it achieves this from 100% Gamay rather than Pinot Noir, often at a more accessible price tier than comparable red Burgundy.

Is Janodet Moulin-à-Vent good for aging? Yes — Moulin-à-Vent is widely regarded as the most age-worthy Beaujolais cru, and Janodet's old-vine concentration and structured tannins give this bottling a dry core and layered acidity that reward cellaring for several years.

Where is Janodet Moulin-à-Vent made? It is produced at Domaine Les Fines Graves in the Moulin-à-Vent appellation of Cru Beaujolais, in eastern France's Beaujolais wine region, just south of the Mâconnais.

What foods pair well with Janodet Moulin-à-Vent? Roasted duck or quail complements the wine's earthy richness. Grilled lamb chops echo its structured tannins. Mushroom risotto mirrors its truffle-like aromas. Aged Comté cheese highlights the savory finish. Charcuterie with pâté brings out the wine's smoky, concentrated fruit.

What sizes does Janodet Moulin-à-Vent come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle.

Is Janodet Moulin-à-Vent worth the price? This wine positions as a premium Cru Beaujolais offering Burgundy-level complexity and aging potential from old vines, making it a strong value within the broader landscape of serious French reds.

Why Janodet Moulin-à-Vent?

The defining factor here is old vines — Janodet's 17.2-acre estate carries a high percentage of them, and they produce Gamay of a richness and power that most Beaujolais simply cannot match. The 1991 vintage's 18.5/20 score in a Gault-Millau tasting demonstrated the estate's capacity to compete at the highest levels of French winemaking. Traditional semi-carbonic fermentation followed by six months in seasoned barrique balances fruit purity with just enough oak influence to build structure without obscuring terroir. For anyone seeking a serious, age-worthy Beaujolais that challenges the boundary between Gamay and Pinot Noir, this is a benchmark expression from one of the appellation's most respected growers.