Domaine Pardon & Fils – Les Mouilles Juliénas

Domaine Pardon & Fils – Les Mouilles Juliénas

Grape Variety

• 100% Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc

Description

Produced by Domaine Pardon & Fils, a family estate whose winemaking history dates back to 1820, Les Mouilles is sourced from one of the most renowned climats of the Juliénas Cru in northern Beaujolais. Situated on south-facing clay-rich slopes above the village of Juliénas, the vineyard benefits from excellent sun exposure, producing wines with both richness and elegance. Hand-harvested and traditionally vinified, this wine showcases the more structured and age-worthy side of Gamay while retaining the freshness and charm for which Beaujolais is famous.

Tasting Notes

Appearance
Intense ruby red with deep garnet reflections.

Nose
Highly expressive and inviting, revealing aromas of redcurrant, raspberry, red cherry and subtle floral notes, accompanied by hints of spice.

Palate
Rich and fleshy with excellent balance between ripe fruit and structure. Juicy red berry flavours dominate, supported by silky tannins and a generous texture. The old vines bring concentration and depth, while the Juliénas terroir contributes a subtle earthy complexity.

Finish
Long, smooth and fruit-driven, with lingering notes of raspberry, redcurrant and gentle spice.

Food Pairing

• Grilled beef and steak
• Coq au Vin
• Roast duck
• Veal cutlets
• Charcuterie boards
• Pork tenderloin
• Brie de Meaux
• Saint-Marcellin
• Mushroom dishes

Traditionally served with grilled meats and classic French country cooking.

Technical Information

• Classification: AOP Juliénas
• Region: Beaujolais
• Country: France
• Vintage: 2024
• Grape Variety: 100% Gamay
• ABV: 13.5%
• Soils: Clay-rich south-facing slopes
• Harvest: Hand-picked
• Vinification: Semi-carbonic maceration with whole bunches, temperature-controlled fermentation and complete malolactic fermentation
• Serving Temperature: 15–16°C
• Cellaring Potential: 5 years and beyond in a good cellar

Olivier's Thoughts

Les Mouilles is a fantastic example of why Juliénas deserves more attention from wine lovers. It sits somewhere between the elegance of Fleurie and the structure of Morgon, offering generous fruit, depth and a lovely sense of place. What I particularly enjoy is the balance between its juicy red fruit character and its more serious, food-friendly structure. This is not just a simple Beaujolais to drink young; it has enough substance to accompany a proper meal and enough complexity to reward a little time in the cellar. For anyone looking to explore beyond the better-known Beaujolais Crus, this is a superb discovery and one of the hidden gems in the Pardon range.