One of our favorite parts about drinking wine? Finding delicious, quality bottles that don’t break the bank. And Beaujolais is a prime example.
The region has been making wine for several centuries. Today, it’s synonymous with Gamay, a red grape that makes up 98% of Beaujolais’s total production. You’ve likely heard of this mighty little grape variety, as it’s become famous around the world thanks to events like annual Beaujolais Nouveau parties.
Luckily, while the wine’s reputation has grown, its price tag hasn’t. You can still take home a few lovely bottles without emptying your wallet. To help you get started with shopping, here are the best Beaujolais priced at $30 and under.
What Is Beaujolais?
Beaujolais is a French wine region made up of 12 Appellation d’Origine Contrôlées (AOC). Recognized as a legal appellation in 1937, Beaujolais is best known for its production of Gamay, a thin-skinned red grape often compared to Pinot Noir. These red wines run the gamut from youthful, fresh and fruity bottlings produced using carbonic maceration to ageable options. The region also makes rosés (with Gamay), as well as Chardonnay, which only accounts for around 2% of Beaujolais’ wine production.
Where Is Beaujolais?
Beaujolais is in Eastern France, just south of Burgundy and about an hour north of Lyon.
Where Does Beaujolais Wine Come From?
Beaujolais wine comes from the Beaujolais region of France.
Is Beaujolais a Dry Wine?
Like most things in wine, it depends! But typically, a Beaujolais wine is dry, not sweet. For instance, the majority of the Gamays coming out of Beaujolais are going to exhibit floral, dark cherry and berry flavors, be light-bodied and easy-drinking. More serious and even age-worthy Beaujolais wines are labeled by the specific village they come from such as Morgon, Fleurie and Moulin a Vent. The region’s Chardonnays tend to be full-bodied, with aromas of white-flesh fruits and citrus.
The Best Beaujolais for $30 or Less
Domaine des Marrans 2020 Corcelette
93 Points Wine Enthusiast
Wood aged for 12 months, the wine displays solid tannins under smooth, ripe black fruits. The balanced wine is already showing a concentration and a firm character that will take its time to soften. Drink from 2024. —Roger Voss
$27 Wine.comJean-Michel Dupré 2021 Le Griottier (Morgon)
92 Points Wine Enthusiast
A griottier is an orchard of bitter cherries. It seems vines are a better use for the land, giving a wine with ripe berry flavors and generous black fruits. The wine’s structure indicates that it will age well. Drink from 2025. —R.V.
$21 Woods Wholesale WineYohan Lardy 2021 Les Deschamps (Chénas)
92 Points Wine Enthusiast
The structure found in a Chénas is very evident in this wine. Its tannins and dry core are dense and need time to soften. Drink this concentrated wine from 2025. —R.V.
$28 Astor Wine & SpiritsRobert Perroud 2021 L’Enfer des Balloquets (Brouilly)
92 Points Wine Enthusiast
This generous, powerful wine comes from a vineyard that gets plenty of heat. It is solid and dense, a wine that should age. Wait to drink until 2025. Best Buy. —R.V.
$22 Warehouse Wines & SpiritsDomaine du Mont Verrier 2020 Moulin-à-Vent
92 Points Wine Enthusiast
From a two-acre vineyard, the wine is ripe, structured and dense with tannins. It shows dusty tannins and a generous texture that matches the black fruits. Drink the wine from 2024. —R.V.
$23 Wine-SearcherDomaine de Leyre-Loup 2019 Morgon Domaine (Morgon)
91 Points Wine Enthusiast
The wine’s tannins have now begun to soften to reveal juicy black-currant and spice flavors alongside attractive acidity. The wine is full in the mouth, bursting with flavor. Drink from 2023. —R.V.
$ Varies Wine-SearcherLouis Jadot 2021 Beaujolais-Villages
88 Points
This Beaune negociant that also owns Château des Jacques produces a regular, red-fruit-flavored Beaujolais Villages. It is an easy wine, made to enjoy young with its light texture and fruitiness. Drink now. Best Buy. —R.V.
$14 Wine.comWhy You Should Trust Us
All products featured here are independently selected by our team, which is comprised of experienced writers and wine tasters and overseen by editorial professionals at Wine Enthusiast headquarters. All ratings and reviews are performed blind in a controlled setting and reflect the parameters of our 100-point scale. Wine Enthusiast does not accept payment to conduct any product review, though we may earn a commission on purchases made through links on this site. Prices were accurate at the time of publication.
FAQs
How Do You Serve Beaujolais?
Since most Beaujolais wines are light-bodied reds, you’ll want to serve them at around 54–60°F. Beaujolais rosé should be served around 48–53°F. Lastly, the region’s Chardonnay are best when served around 50–55°F.
What Is Beaujolais Nouveau?
Taking place every year on November 3, Beaujolais Nouveau is the official release of the region’s young vintages. It is celebrated with tastings and parties throughout the world.
Last Updated: June 6, 2023
