Jamie Goode

Our expert says à votre santé with these magnificent bottles of Beaujolais

The Beaujolais region is sandwiched between Burgundy and the Rhône in eastern France. A pretty area with rolling hills, its many vineyards are dominated by the gamay grape, which has a talent for making light, fragrant reds and is on top form right now. Here are seven joyful offerings.

Réserve de Pizay Beaujolais-villages 2020, £8.50, Co-op, 13% alcohol

Abundantly fruity with raspberry and cherry, this wine shows a bit of crunch and a spicy edge. It is pure, vivid and excellent value.

Dominique Piron Beaujolaisvillages 2018, £11.99, Waitrose, 13% alcohol

This one is lively, full of cherry and plum notes, with a smooth texture and ripe – almost lush – berry fruits on the palate. It’s a satisfying mouthful which has a touch of sour cherry on the finish.

La Burgondie Moulin-à-vent 2020, £12, Tesco, 13.5% alcohol

Full-bodied with luscious cherries, raspberries and a slight salty twist and stony notes, this is a vibrant Beaujolais. A brisk acidity and core fruit keep things juicy and fresh.

Laurent Martray Brouilly La Folie 2018, £18, Justerini & Brooks, 13% alcohol This aromatic tipple is all about black cherry and plum sweetness, with added spice and dried herbs. The rich texture has a core of ripe fruit, but savoury, meaty, spicy notes and acidity, too.

Marks & Spencer Classics Beaujolais-villages 2020, £10, M&S, 14% alcohol

Here we have a palatable, classic Beaujolais with a complexity to it and a bright, supple finish. It’s juicy and crisp, with cherry and plum flavours.

Waitrose Beaujolais Villages 2019, £7.99, Waitrose, 13.5% alcohol

A supple and mellow tipple at its best, with cherry, plum and berry tones leading to a sumptuous twist on the finish. It’s a great wine.

Pardon & Fils Juliénas Les Mouilles 2020, £12.99, Majestic, 13.5% alcohol

There’s a good weight to this stylish offering which shows sappy cherry and raspberry with a stony edge, hints of pepper and dried herbs, and a sweet core.