Grégoire Hoppenot is one of Beaujolais' "most exciting emerging talents," said Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. One smell and taste of his Beaujolais Blanc convinced me that their sentiments were quite accurate. I personally think Greg is one of the most exciting young vignerons in the world. He's just got the touch!
Hoppenot's Beaujolais Blanc will appeal to those who love White Burgundies from the Maconnais. Pure, perfectly ripe, and fresh, it exudes delightful aromas of white peach, golden apple, citrus blossom, and spice on a juicy and zesty palate.
Even though Grégoire Hoppenot didn't start his winery until 2018, he's already making huge waves in the French wine world. Named Newcomer of the Year by La Revue du Vin de France in 2020, his wines have been garnering high praise in a number of top wine publications ever since. He's a very hands-on vigneron -- 100% organic, hand-harvesting and sorting, native yeasts, and minimal sulfite additions.
Greg's 2023 Beaujolais Blanc is 100% Chardonnay from a 40-year old, certified organic vineyard in Creches-sur-Saone in the north of Beaujolais and just south of the Macon region. Vines are planted on the classic limestone soils that all great White Burgundies come from, and fermentation is carried out in stainless steel, followed by aging in neutral French oak for 6 months before bottling.
The finished wine is luscious, delicious, and value-priced, and it totally reminds me of the Beaujolais Blancs of Jean-Paul Brun and Domaine Dupeuble. If you have been missing those, this is undoubtedly a worthy successor. Sadly, Monsieur Brun retired with no heir apparent(s) and sold his vineyards, and Dupeuble has gone WAY up in price.
Like those, Hoppenot's Beaujolais Blanc is juicy, vivacious, and perfumed, with good concentration and lively acidity. It's a total joy to drink by itself, but it will taste even better served alongside poultry, salmon, or pork tenderloin. Try to stash a few bottles until Thanksgiving.....trust me : )
Josh Spurling
Owner/Operator/Wine Lover
Table Wine Asheville
