Domaine de Vernus 2020 Chiroubles Beaujolais Magnum
Chiroubles, Beaujolais, France – 1.5 Liter Magnum
The Domaine de Vernus 2020 Chiroubles Magnum is a vibrant and terroir-driven Cru Beaujolais crafted from old-vine Gamay grown in the highest-altitude vineyards of Beaujolais. Produced in limited quantities and presented in a rare 1.5 Liter Magnum, this elegant French red wine showcases the freshness, minerality, and lifted aromatics that define the Chiroubles appellation.
Sourced from steep hillside vineyards with slopes exceeding 30%, the wine benefits from cooler temperatures and exceptional drainage, preserving freshness and aromatic precision even in warmer vintages. The granitic soils and high-elevation terroir contribute energy, tension, and finesse to the final wine.
The 2020 vintage opens with expressive aromas of cassis, licorice, wild berries, sweet spices, forest floor, and crushed stone. On the palate, the wine is supple yet concentrated, revealing layers of ripe red and black fruits balanced by bright acidity, silky tannins, and a saline mineral finish. Both charming and refined, this is a beautifully balanced Beaujolais with immediate appeal and excellent aging potential.
Produced using hand-harvested fruit, indigenous yeasts, cold maceration, and a combination of oak barrel and vat aging, the wine reflects Domaine de Vernus’ commitment to precision winemaking and authentic terroir expression.
Critical Acclaim
91 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“Attractive aromas of cassis, licorice, rich spices and sweet soil tones introduce the 2020 Chiroubles, a medium-bodied, supple and lively wine with a fleshy core of fruit, melting tannins and a saline finish.”
Tasting Notes
Color: Bright ruby red with violet highlights
Aromas: Cassis, raspberry, blackberry, licorice, spice, undergrowth, wet stone
Palate: Juicy red and dark fruits, silky texture, vibrant acidity, mineral tension
Finish: Fresh, saline, elegant, and persistent
Vineyard & Terroir
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Appellation: Chiroubles, Beaujolais, France
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Grape Variety: 100% Gamay
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Vine Age: 61 years (Verbomet) and 34 years (Châtenay)
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Soils: Granite-based soils
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Altitude: Among the highest vineyards in Beaujolais
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Exposure: Steep hillside slopes exceeding 30%
The elevated vineyard sites naturally preserve freshness and aromatic intensity, producing refined and energetic wines.
Winemaking
- Hand-harvested and manually sorted
- Crate harvested for berry integrity
- 100% destemmed
- Cold maceration
- Indigenous yeast fermentation for three weeks
- Alternate grape-treading, pump-overs, and délestage
- Aged 10 months in 50% oak barrels and 50% vats
- Bottled at the estate
This balanced approach preserves the purity of Gamay while adding texture and subtle complexity.
About Domaine de Vernus
Domaine de Vernus is a boutique Beaujolais estate dedicated to producing terroir-focused wines from carefully selected vineyard parcels across the region. Located in Régnié-Durette, the estate combines sustainable farming, traditional Beaujolais viticulture, and minimal-intervention winemaking.
The historic property overlooks the rolling Beaujolais hills and reflects the region’s deep cultural and geological heritage. With Beaujolais recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark, Domaine de Vernus highlights the extraordinary diversity of the region’s soils and vineyard sites through elegant, age-worthy Gamay wines.
Food Pairing
Excellent with:
- Roast chicken
- Duck confit
- Grilled pork
- Mushroom dishes
- Charcuterie
- Salmon
- Semi-soft cheeses
Cellaring & Drinking Window
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Drink: 2025–2030
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Peak Drinking: 2025–2028
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Ageing Potential: Short to medium-term cellaring
The magnum format allows the wine to age more gracefully while preserving freshness and vibrancy.
Why This Wine Stands Out
- 91 Points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
- Rare 1.5 Liter Magnum format
- High-altitude Cru Beaujolais
- Old-vine Gamay
- Indigenous yeast fermentation
- Elegant and mineral-driven style
- Limited production of 7,030 bottles
- Exceptional freshness and terroir expression
