Domaine Diochon Moulin-a-Vent Vieilles Vignes 2022

At the foot of the rolling vineyards of Moulin-à-Vent, just across the road from its famous namesake windmill, Domaine Diochon has been making Beaujolais the old-fashioned way since 1935.  Bernard Diochon, the beloved, mustachioed character immortalized by photographer Gail Skoff, succeeded his father in 1967. As a torch bearer to the ancestral methods passed down to him, Bernard explains,

Domaine Diochon produces one bottling year in and year out, this Moulin-à-Vent Cuvée Vieilles Vignes, from vines planted in 1920, 1950, and the 1960s. Soulful and savory, with notes of cherries, iron, and smoke, this is cru Beaujolais built to last.

After the harvest, grapes are transferred to temperature-controlled cement cuves, where they undergo a traditional semi-carbonic, whole cluster fermentation for about twelve days. Pump-overs are performed daily. Two rackings take place towards the end of the fermentation process. The wines age in oak foudres for at least 6-7 months before bottling. Only minute doses of sulfur are used. Wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered 

Kermit Lynch (Importer) Notes: Diochon’s Moulin-à-Vent is juicily delicious yet there is a majesty to it. It is full-blown and full-bodied, yet it has a lush, supple, swallowable texture. No hard edges.  No astringency.  No heat. Moulin-à-Vent is supposed to be the grandest of the region’s Grands Crus, and here you sense a certain grandeur throughout the taste experience. And don’t overlook the visuals. Diochon’s color is always a sight to see. The color, like the flavor, is cassis-like. 

Producer: Domaine Diochon

Country: France

Region: Burgundy

Varietal: Gamay

Appellation: Moulin-a-Vent

Vintage: 2022

Size: 750ml