Nestled in the heart of a rich historical landscape, Château du Moulin-à-Vent invites visitors to experience its unparalleled legacy dating back to 1732. This estate, where time is an ally in the art of winemaking, offers a captivating 2-hour tour that delves into the unique terroirs shaped by granitic soils and local winds. Indulge in tastings of exquisite wines, including organic selections from the 2022 harvest, and discover how the estate’s sustainable practices honor the past while securing a vibrant future. A visit to Château du Moulin-à-Vent promises to be an immersive exploration of the art of winemaking, where every sip tells a story.
Key Points
- Explore the estate’s 300-year winemaking legacy, with a focus on organic farming and massal selection for unique terroir expression.
- Immerse in a vertical tasting of the flagship cuvée, showcasing the estate’s adaptation to changing times while maintaining its roots.
- Discover the impact of granitic soils and local winds on the distinct minerality and aromatic complexity of Moulin-à-Vent wines.
- Gain insights into the estate’s diverse terroirs, with highlights on five unique sites contributing to the winemaking approach.
- Witness the estate’s ambitious projects, including full organic certification and sustainable initiatives, reflecting its commitment to quality and long-term viability.
Tour Overview
The 2-hour tour of Château du Moulin-à-Vent begins at the château’s address, 4 Rue des Thorins.
Offered in both English and French, the tour is wheelchair accessible and features a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can choose to reserve now and pay later.
The tour provides an in-depth look at the 16th-century vaulted cellar, the Clos de Londres vineyard, and a tasting of seven wines, including a vertical tasting of vintages from 2011 to 2022.
Throughout the experience, visitors will gain insights into the estate’s granitic soils, diverse terroirs, and three centuries of history.
Experience Highlights
On the private tour of Château du Moulin-à-Vent, established in 1732, visitors explore the 16th-century vaulted cellar and the estate’s emblematic Clos de Londres vineyard.
The experience highlights include:
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A tasting of 7 wines, including a vertical tasting of vintages from 2011, 2015, 2016, and 2022, showcasing the château’s expertise in aging.
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Sampling single-parcel selections from the 2022 vintage, such as Les Vérillats, Champ de Cour, and La Rochelle, to appreciate the estate’s diverse terroirs.
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Gaining insights into Moulin-à-Vent’s granitic soils and the impact of local winds, as well as the château’s ambitious projects like organic farming and massal selection.
Wine Tasting Details
The wine tasting session at Château du Moulin-à-Vent offers visitors a chance to explore the estate’s exceptional vintage selections.
A vertical tasting showcases the Château’s flagship cuvée from 2005 to 2022, allowing guests to appreciate how the wine evolves over time.
The tasting also features single-parcel wines from the 2022 vintage, highlighting the diversity of the estate’s terroirs.
All the wines have been carefully stored under optimal aging conditions, ensuring a true reflection of the Moulin-à-Vent appellation.
This educational experience provides insights into the region’s granitic soils and the impact of local winds, deepening the understanding of this renowned Beaujolais cru.
Granitic Soils and Local Winds
Granitic soils and the local winds play a crucial role in shaping the unique character of the wines produced at Château du Moulin-à-Vent.
These granitic soils, dating back millions of years, provide excellent drainage and impart a distinct minerality to the grapes. Plus, the local Mâconnais winds, known as the "grapes’ wind," gently sweep across the vineyards, regulating temperature and humidity, further enhancing the fruit’s aromatic complexity.
The key influences are:
- Granitic soils that lend a distinct minerality to the wines.
- The "grapes’ wind" that moderates the vineyard’s microclimate.
- The diverse terroirs that allow the estate to craft single-parcel selections.
Understanding these natural elements is fundamental to appreciating the exceptional quality of Château du Moulin-à-Vent’s wines.
Diverse Terroirs of the Estate
Though the granitic soils and local winds are crucial, the diverse terroirs of the Château du Moulin-à-Vent estate also play a vital role in shaping the exceptional quality of its wines.
Visitors can explore five of the estate’s 69 distinct terroirs during the tour, gaining an intimate understanding of the property’s rich diversity.
From the famed Clos de Londres vineyard to the single-parcel selections like Les Vérillats, Champ de Cour, and La Rochelle, each site offers unique microclimate conditions that infuse the wines with their own distinct personality.
This educational journey through the estate’s varied terroirs provides invaluable insights into the meticulous attention to detail that defines the Château’s winemaking approach.
Three Centuries of Legacy
Established in 1732, Château du Moulin-à-Vent has a rich legacy spanning three centuries, marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence in winemaking.
This storied estate has weathered the test of time, evolving with the changing tides of the wine industry while staying true to its roots.
The Château’s legacy is defined by:
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Unwavering commitment to quality, with a focus on organic farming and massal selection to preserve the unique character of its terroirs.
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Innovative winemaking techniques, honed over generations, that extract the finest expressions of the region’s renowned Gamay grape.
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A deep respect for tradition, as evidenced by the meticulous preservation of the 16th-century vaulted cellar, now a testament to the Château’s enduring legacy.
Winemaking Techniques
Château du Moulin-à-Vent takes great pride in its winemaking techniques, which have been honed over the course of three centuries.
The estate’s focus on organic farming and massal selection ensures that each vintage reflects the unique terroir.
The wines undergo a meticulous vinification process, with a focus on gentle extraction and careful temperature control.
The estate’s cellars provide optimal aging conditions, allowing the wines to develop their full complexity and elegance.
Visitors can explore the technical aspects of winemaking, gaining insights into the estate’s commitment to quality and sustainability.
Ambitious Projects
Alongside its focus on winemaking techniques, Château du Moulin-à-Vent’s ambitious projects showcase the estate’s forward-thinking approach. The team is dedicated to organic farming, with plans to achieve full organic certification by 2024.
Plus, they’re exploring massal selection, a traditional method of propagating vines from their own plant material, to preserve the unique character of the terroir. These initiatives underscore Château du Moulin-à-Vent’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, ensuring the long-term viability of the estate for generations to come.
Some of the key ambitious projects at Château du Moulin-à-Vent include:
- Organic farming certification by 2024
- Massal selection for vine propagation
- Sustainable practices to safeguard the terroir
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Purchase Wines Directly From the Château?
Yes, visitors can purchase wines directly from the Château du Moulin-à-Vent during their visit or afterward. The estate offers a convenient online shop for shipping wines to customers worldwide.
Are There Any Accommodation Options Near the Château?
There are a few accommodation options near Château du Moulin-à-Vent. Visitors can find charming bed and breakfasts, cozy guesthouses, and even vacation rentals within a short driving distance of the château. These provide convenient lodging for those exploring the region.
Does the Tour Include a Meal or Snack?
The tour does not include a meal or snack. However, visitors can explore the nearby town’s restaurants and cafés after the tour to continue their Château du Moulin-à-Vent experience. The focus is on the wine tasting and chateau tour.
Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?
Yes, visitors are welcome to take photographs during the tour. The tour provides ample opportunities to capture the stunning architecture, vineyards, and wine tasting experience at Château du Moulin-à-Vent.
Do You Offer Any Special Discounts or Packages?
Yes, Château du Moulin-à-Vent offers special discounts and packages. They provide a 10% discount for groups of 4 or more, and there’s a combined tour and tasting package available for visitors looking to maximize their experience.
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Sum Up
Château du Moulin-à-Vent invites visitors to explore its unparalleled history and exceptional wines. Taste organic offerings from the 2022 harvest, discover the estate’s unique terroirs, and learn about sustainable winemaking practices that honor the past and secure a vibrant future. With time as an ally, the château promises an unforgettable experience for wine enthusiasts.