Beaujolais, the southernmost region of Burgundy, dances a sprightly samba to the beat of its own grape, the juicy red and spicy Gamay. Where Burgundy wines may seem deep in serious thought, Beaujolais is most often all smiles, with not a wrinkle on its youthful face. That’s not to say that Gamay makes a frivolous wine—quite the contrary. Many of our favorite winemakers treat Gamay as if it were Pinot Noir, crafting Beaujolais wines that are deep and rich, yet still young at heart. This region is as large, if not larger, than the whole Côte d'Or, and extends over a series of granite hills that lend Beaujolais wines a healthy acidity and minerality.