Nestled in the heart of the renowned Moulin-à-Vent appellation, Château du Moulin-à-Vent offers a captivating journey through three centuries of winemaking history and the region’s unique terroirs. This 1.5-hour guided tour invites visitors to explore the stunning 16th-century vaulted cellar, discover the picturesque Clos de Londres vineyard, and explore the distinct characteristics of granitic soils and pink sands that shape the estate’s exceptional cuvées. From the impact of the famous Beaujolais winds to the technical aspects of winemaking, the experience promises to unveil the captivating story behind this iconic French wine region.
Key Points
- Explore the historic Château du Moulin-à-Vent, a winemaking estate spanning three centuries and known for its granitic soils and wind-influenced terroirs.
- Discover the unique Moulin-à-Vent appellation, characterized by its pink sands, which contribute to the structure, tannins, and longevity of the wines.
- Witness the impact of powerful winds on the wine’s character, enhancing aroma, flavor intensity, and minerality through microporation.
- Explore the estate’s winemaking techniques, from harvesting to aging, and learn about the art and science behind their acclaimed vintages.
- Enjoy a guided tour and wine tasting experience that showcases the diversity of Moulin-à-Vent’s terroirs and the estate’s commitment to quality.
Tour Overview and Pricing
Visitors can embark on a captivating 1.5-hour tour of Château du Moulin-à-Vent, with guided visits available in both English and French.
The tour is priced at €1,480 per person and is accessible to wheelchair users.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can reserve the tour now and pay later.
The experience includes a guided tour of the château, a visit to the 16th-century vaulted cellar, and a tasting of the estate’s renowned wines, offering a comprehensive exploration of this historic property and its acclaimed terroirs.
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Itinerary and Experience
The tour begins at the estate’s address, 4 Rue des Thorins in Château du Moulin-à-Vent.
Visitors embark on a guided tour lasting one hour, followed by a 30-minute wine tasting.
The main stops include the château, the 16th-century vaulted cellar, and the Clos de Londres vineyard.
Guests will discover the specifics of the Moulin-à-Vent appellation, such as its granitic soils with pink sands and the impact of the winds.
They’ll also explore three centuries of history associated with the estate.
In the vat room, the tour focuses on the technical aspects of winemaking, from harvest to aging in the cellar.
Historical and Terroir Insights
The tour allows guests to discover the specifics of the Moulin-à-Vent appellation.
Situated on granitic soils with pink sands, the region is known for the impactful winds that shape the AOC.
The estate showcases the diversity of terroirs, with five distinct parcels visible out of the 69 that make up the appellation.
Over three centuries of history are associated with the Château, providing a rich context for understanding the evolution of winemaking in this storied region.
Key terroir features:
- Granitic soils with pink sands
- Influential winds over the AOC
- Diversity of terroirs (5 of 69 visible)
- Three centuries of estate history
Technical Aspects of Winemaking
During the tour, the focus shifts to the technical aspects of winemaking in the vat room, where visitors gain insights into the methods and choices that shape the estate’s wines.
The guide explains the intricate processes involved, from harvesting to aging in the vaulted cellar. Guests learn about the winery’s commitment to quality, highlighted by their meticulous attention to detail and innovative techniques.
The discussion covers the specific terroir characteristics that influence the wines, as well as the estate’s approach to elevating the expression of each parcel.
This technical deep dive provides a comprehensive understanding of the art and science behind the Château du Moulin-à-Vent’s acclaimed vintages.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyWine Tasting Details
After exploring the technical aspects of winemaking, the tour culminates in a captivating wine tasting experience.
Held in the Chapelle des Thorins, the tasting features 5 cuvées, including 3 single-parcel selections and the exclusive Clos de Londres micro-cuvée from the exceptional 2015 vintage.
Guests enjoy a privileged viewpoint from the terrace, with a tour of the renowned Clos de Londres vineyard and a glimpse of the historic mill.
The tasting highlights the diversity of Moulin-à-Vent’s terroirs, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the region’s unique character.
The experience offers:
- Tasting of 5 distinct cuvées
- Exploration of single-parcel wines
- Exclusive access to the Clos de Londres micro-cuvée
- Panoramic views from the terrace and vineyard tour
Granitic Soils and Pink Sands
Typically, the granitic soils and pink sands of Moulin-à-Vent profoundly shape the character of the wines produced in this renowned Beaujolais appellation. These unique terroir characteristics impart a robust structure, intense aromas, and a distinctive minerality to the Gamay grape. The table below provides a closer look at the impact of Moulin-à-Vent’s terroir:
| Terroir Component | Impact on Wines |
|---|---|
| Granitic Soils | Lend structure, tannins, and longevity |
| Pink Sands | Contribute aromatic complexity and minerality |
| Wind Exposure | Intensify concentration and acidity |
The resulting wines possess a harmonious blend of power, finesse, and a remarkable cellar-worthiness – qualities that have made Moulin-à-Vent one of the most acclaimed and prestigious crus of the Beaujolais region.
Impact of Winds Over the AOC
The powerful winds that sweep across the Moulin-à-Vent appellation play a pivotal role in shaping the character of the wines. Known as the "king of Beaujolais", this unique terroir is defined by its granite soils and the influence of the wind.
The estate’s winemakers leverage this natural phenomenon in several ways:
- Enhancing aroma and flavor intensity through increased microporation.
- Promoting even ripening and concentration of phenolic compounds.
- Reducing disease pressure and the need for chemical treatments.
- Imbuing the wines with a distinct minerality and elegance.
These winds, combined with the estate’s meticulous viticultural practices, contribute to the Moulin-à-Vent’s reputation for producing some of the most captivating and age-worthy wines in the Beaujolais region.
Three Centuries of Estate History
The Château du Moulin-à-Vent has a rich history that spans three centuries, tracing its roots back to the 17th century.
The estate has witnessed the evolution of the Beaujolais region, weathering the challenges of wars, economic downturns, and changing consumer preferences.
Despite these obstacles, the Château has remained a steadfast symbol of the region’s winemaking tradition, continuously adapting to preserve the unique terroir that defines its renowned Moulin-à-Vent appellation.
Today, visitors can enjoy this storied legacy, exploring the estate’s historic cellars and vineyards while uncovering the intricacies of its winemaking process, a testament to the enduring spirit of this iconic French château.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Special Events or Festivals Held at the Château?
The Château du Moulin-à-Vent doesn’t host any special festivals or events. However, visitors can enjoy guided tours, wine tastings, and explore the estate’s historic terroirs and winemaking techniques throughout the year.
Can I Purchase the Wines I Tasted Directly From the Estate?
Yes, visitors can purchase the wines they tasted directly from the estate. The château offers a wide selection of their cuvées, including the exclusive micro-cuvée Clos de Londres, which is only available at the property.
Does the Château Offer Any Accommodation or Dining Options On-Site?
The château does not offer any on-site accommodation or dining options. However, visitors can enjoy a guided tour, wine tasting, and explore the estate’s vineyards and history during their visit.
Are There Any Hiking or Outdoor Activities Available Around the Estate?
The Château du Moulin-à-Vent estate doesn’t offer hiking or outdoor activities on-site. However, visitors can explore the surrounding Beaujolais region, which features scenic walking trails and stunning countryside landscapes ideal for nature lovers.
How Long Has the Moulin-À-Vent Appellation Been in Existence?
The Moulin-à-Vent appellation has existed since 1936, when it was officially recognized as one of the 10 original Crus of the Beaujolais region in France. It’s known for its distinctive granitic soils and complex, long-lived wines.
Recap
Château du Moulin-à-Vent offers a captivating journey through three centuries of winemaking history and the distinct terroirs of the Moulin-à-Vent appellation. Visitors can explore the 16th-century vaulted cellar, discover the unique granitic soils and pink sands, and indulge in a remarkable wine tasting, all while enjoying panoramic views from the terrace. It’s an immersive experience that showcases the estate’s rich heritage and the exceptional character of its wines.
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