Compagnie Beaujolaise, Beaujolais Villages 2023

Type: Beaujolais

Grapes: Gamay

Where to Buy + How Much: Trader Joe’s ($8.99 as of October 2025)

This is a Beaujolais Villages that does exactly what people hope Beaujolais will do. It is fresh, friendly, and easy to enjoy without feeling forgettable. Compagnie Beaujolaise works with growers across the region (Burgundy, France), and this bottle is meant to show off what young Gamay does best. Bright fruit, soft structure, and a sense of lift that keeps you coming back for another sip.

Aroma: What am I smelling and why?

The first thing you notice is red fruit. Think cherries and raspberries, the kind that smell juicy rather than jammy. There is often a light floral note too, like crushed violets, which is classic for Gamay grown on granite soils. You might also catch a faint whiff of something earthy, like damp stones or a clean cellar. That comes from the way these wines are fermented and from the natural character of the region, not from oak or heavy winemaking tricks.

Palate: What am I tasting and why?

On the palate, this wine is all about freshness. Red cherry and strawberry lead the way, followed by a gentle hint of cranberry that keeps things lively. The texture is smooth and light, with very soft tannins that barely register. Acidity is the real backbone here. It makes the fruit feel crisp and keeps the wine from feeling sweet or flat. This is why Beaujolais Villages is such a reliable food wine and such an easy bottle to open midweek.

Preference: Who is this wine not for?

If you want big, dark, brooding reds with heavy oak and lots of grip, this will feel too light. Drinkers who associate value with weight and intensity may think it lacks depth. It also will not satisfy anyone looking for long-term aging or complex layers that unfold over hours. This wine is about immediacy, not meditation.

Enjoy: How and with what?

Serve it slightly cool, about 55 to 60°F, which is cooler than room temperature but not cold. This really brings out the freshness. It shines with simple foods like roast chicken, charcuterie, burgers, or mushroom dishes. It is also great with picnic-style meals, takeout, or anything where you want the wine to stay out of the way while still being clearly delicious. This is the kind of bottle that disappears faster than you expect, usually because everyone keeps refilling their glass without thinking about it.