Sebastien Besson Julienas, Beaujolais, France

In the granite-rich hills of Juliénas, Sébastien Besson crafts a Gamay that bridges old-world tradition with new-world energy. The 2020 vintage channels the legacy of four generations while pulsing with youthful vibrancy, bursting with ripe fruit, spice, and freshness that remind us why Beaujolais is in the midst of an exhilarating renaissance.

Product Details:

• Wine Style: Red Wine
• Varietal: 100% Gamay
• Winemaker & Owner: Sébastien Besson
• Vineyard Size: 7 hectares (estate fruit)
• Average Vine Age: 35 years
• Elevation: 300 meters
• Soil Type: Granite
• Harvest: September, hand-harvested bush vines
• Fermentation: Whole cluster, concrete & stainless steel, indigenous yeasts, 17 days maceration
• Aging: 6 months in concrete vats
• Farming: Organic
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• Production: 8,000 bottles
• Sulfur / RS: 30 mg/l / 1.5 g/l
• Filter/Fining: Diatomaceous earth filtered, unfined

Sensory Description:

This Juliénas bursts from the glass with aromas of mountain blueberry, ripe red cherry, clove, orange zest, berry pie crust, and fresh-cut flowers. On the palate, it delivers a wave of bright red fruit supported by density and depth, filling the mouth while remaining lifted by lively acidity. Soft tannins frame the fruit, and the finish lingers with notes of cherry, spice, and minerality. Structured yet approachable, this wine beautifully marries vibrancy with complexity.

Winemaker's Background:

The Besson family’s winemaking history dates back to the 1920s, when Sébastien’s great-grandfather Benoît founded Domaine du Penlois on the small hill of Lancié, nestled between Morgon, Fleurie, and Moulin-à-Vent. The estate grew under his son Maxence, who expanded holdings to 30 hectares of Cru vineyards. In 2016, Sébastien launched his own label, working alongside his father but focusing on smaller plots farmed strictly organically. With concrete and stainless fermentations, natural yeasts, and minimal sulfur, his wines emphasize freshness, terroir, and honesty, representing both tradition and the new wave of Beaujolais craftsmanship.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 15–16 °C after a brief decant to highlight the fruit purity and aromatic intensity. This Juliénas is an excellent partner for roasted duck, charcuterie, coq au vin, or wild mushroom risotto. Its lively acidity and ripe fruit also make it versatile enough for grilled salmon or Mediterranean vegetable dishes.

The 2020 Sébastien Besson Juliénas is a testament to Beaujolais’ renaissance, a wine rooted in history yet propelled by youthful energy, delivering both elegance and vitality in every glass.