Which bottle to serve as a Christmas appetizer?

Among all the Christmas meal ideas, many include a refined appetizer. Foie gras is one of the classic staples. Whether cooked or semi-cooked, it forms a superb pairing with the Clos de Beauvenir 2023 from Château La Nerthe. This blend of Roussanne and Grenache Blanc from the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation is distinguished by its exceptional, infinitely elegant and deep personality. Its freshness and nectarine-like sweetness create a wonderfully balanced contrast with the richness and creaminess of foie gras. For a pan-fried version, opt for a fruity and supple red wine, such as the Le Perréon 2022 from Château de Corcelles.
Another festive classic is scallops, for example, enhanced by a topinambour cream with hazelnuts. To accompany this with style while surprising your guests, turn to a wine from Beaujolais, such as the Chardonnay 2023 from Château de Corcelles. Behind its pale golden hue, this white wine blends the minerality of its grape variety with the delicately wooded influence of barrel aging—perfect to complement the scallops.

What food and wine pairing to favor for the main course of a Christmas meal?

Christmas main courses, often generous and flavorful, call for wines that will magnify their intensity. For bold meats in sauce, such as game, the Cuvée des Cadettes 2020 from Château La Nerthe is the ideal companion. This Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine, dominated by Grenache Noir and complemented by Syrah and Mourvèdre, is both powerful, complex, and refined.
The Les Tours 2022 from Château des Tours, in the Brouilly appellation, also ensures a remarkable pairing. This 100% Gamay from Beaujolais is made from old vines perched on an amphitheater around the estate, releasing all their richness and concentration. With aromas of cassis and cherry, accented by subtle spicy notes, it combines complexity, balance, and indulgence.
However, if you prefer to serve a white meat to your guests, such as a roasted turkey with a butternut-hazelnut-parmesan crumble, let yourself be seduced by the Brouilly Les Roches 2021 from Château de Corcelles. This 100% Gamay boasts smooth tannins, nourished by a refined and persistent style. The Les Clavelles 2021 from Château La Nerthe, from an extraordinary plot of pure Grenache, is also a delightfully harmonious choice with its elegant density and the purity of its fruit.

Which wine to choose for Christmas at the cheese course ?

The cheese platter remains one of the most anticipated parts of the festive meal. Choosing the right wine for this key moment deserves special attention.

For white wine, opt for the Les Cassagnes de La Nerthe 2023, a Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc blending Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and Marsanne. This wine, reflecting its vineyard between Mediterranean forests and garrigue, is seduced by aromas of apricot, fresh pear, and white peach. Its citrusy mouth offers the ideal liveliness for enjoying fresh goat cheese. It also pairs beautifully with a young comté, whose firm texture and delicate aromas complement the wine’s freshness.
For a red wine and cheese pairing, head to Beaujolais with the Fleurie Poncié 2022 from Château de Corcelles, which invites you to a moment suspended between strength and finesse. Its mineral and undergrowth notes, along with dark fruit, elegantly unfold throughout a powerful yet refined mouthfeel. This wine pairs perfectly with a creamy brie, whose smooth texture and softness complement the richness of the Fleurie. You could also opt for a mild blue cheese like blue de Gex, whose creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor pair wonderfully with the fruity and mineral notes of the Fleurie.

Finally, which wine with a festive dessert?

The grand finale of the meal, dessert, adds a touch of indulgence to the Christmas dinner or Christmas Day lunch. And the chocolate Yule log often seems like an obvious choice. In this instance, the Château La Nerthe 2021 cuvée makes a lasting impression. This blend of Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Cinsault perfectly embodies the terroir of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Its notes of ripe cherries and strawberries, enhanced by spicy touches, pair well with the richness of the chocolate, while its freshness and the subtlety of its tannins add a pleasant lightness.
In AOP Brouilly, the Combiaty 2020 from Château des Tours is also an excellent choice with its enticing concentration, expressive fruit, and the typical minerality of its appellation. For spirits enthusiasts, the Fine du Château La Nerthe (only available at the estate’s cellar) is a vintage eau-de-vie perfect for a chocolate Yule log, with its ample mouthfeel, dried fruit aromas, and a long, balanced finish.

From appetizers to desserts, you now know which wine to choose for Christmas. And if, after finalizing your menu, you still need to complete your gift list, our gift ideas for wine lovers are here to inspire you. Merry Christmas to you!

1. A selection of exceptional wines to place under your Christmas tree

Giving wine is a must for those who love oenology. But which wines should you choose for Christmas to make a difference?
The freshness and refinement of our Château La Nerthe’s organic-certified vintages stand out. These beautiful Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, available in both red and white, can be ordered with just a few clicks from our online shop. Among them, some particularly prestigious bottles will delight even the most discerning wine lovers: our moving Cuvée des Cadettes, our iconic Clos de Beauvenir, and our rarest cuvée, Les Clavelles.

To round out your wine gift set, consider adding AOP Côtes-du-Rhône Villages and Côtes-du-Rhône wines, like Les Cassagnes de La Nerthe. The Beaujolais wines from our Château de Corcelles and Château des Tours offer more accessible options, with beautifully crafted expressions. These wines reveal different facets of the Beaujolais region, whether in Brouilly, Fleurie, Morgon, Beaujolais-Villages, or Beaujolais AOC. Their beautiful vineyard-specific selections invite you to travel through the great Beaujolais estates.

Finally, why not complete your Christmas wine selection with Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur, Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois, or Côtes de Bourg AOC? Our Château Gantonnet, Château Victoria, Château Escalette, and Château de Barbe bottles are ideal choices.

2. A gift voucher for an unforgettable cellar tour to delight your loved ones

Among the most memorable Christmas gifts for wine lovers, a cellar tour ranks high. More than just a tasting, it’s a true immersion into a wine estate.
At Château La Nerthe, nestled in the heart of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards, our team offers three exceptional experiences: three suspended ways to taste five centuries of elegance, no matter the season, even in winter…
Each of these tours, which can be purchased as a gift voucher for Christmas, includes a discovery of the historical cellars of our château. You’ll just need to decide whether to complement this journey with a guided tasting of 5 or 7 wines, or even 8 exceptional cuvées from different vintages, in the candlelit ambiance of our secret cellar…

3. A historical wine tourism experience: a unique Christmas gift

If your loved ones plan to visit Beaujolais soon, this original gift idea will enchant them: a timeless experience at the impressive Château de Corcelles, with its distinctive 15th-century towers and expansive park.
There, they can enjoy an audio-guided tour of part of the château. You can also add to this discovery a guided tasting of 4 cuvées from our estate, with or without a delicious traditional mâchon, featuring cured meats and cheeses.
Additionally, an exclusive visit to the first floor of this historic monument, followed by a tasting of 5 wines, can be booked for those wanting to learn more about our château. The more adventurous guests can also explore our vineyards on a Segway before a well-deserved tasting…

4. A stay at the heart of the vineyard: a wine gift idea to share

For unforgettable memories with family or friends, nothing beats an oenology weekend or a prolonged wine-filled stay in a charming gîte in Beaujolais…
Our Château des Tours, located less than 50 km from Lyon and 40 km from Mâcon, is the perfect setting for such a getaway. In the Brouilly AOC, our estate offers two comfortable and elegant gîtes: our Gîte du Vigneron (open year-round) and our Gîte La Sarrasine (open from March to December). Both enjoy an idyllic location within a 12th-century architectural complex, surrounded by a sea of Beaujolais vineyards… This guarantees an extraordinary base for enjoying the wide range of oenological and cultural activities in the region!

We hope this selection of wine gift ideas will help you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. For more inspiration, feel free to follow Château La Nerthe, Château de Corcelles, and Château des Tours on Instagram. Happy holidays!

Our Director, New Vice-President of Inter Beaujolais

Contributing to the present and future of our wine region is an honor for our teams, beginning with Sébastien Kargul, director of Château de Corcelles and Château des Tours. July 18, 2024, marked a significant date as he was elected Vice-President of Inter Beaujolais (representing the Merchant College) alongside Jean-Marc Lafont, elected President (representing the Growers’ College).
Various Beaujolais wine industry stakeholders have entrusted Sébastien Kargul with a two-year term. In his new role, our director aims to champion the region’s ambitions at a pivotal moment in its history. Key priorities set jointly with Jean-Marc Lafont include generational transition, as noted by Sébastien: “Our youth and future generations will best understand tomorrow’s needs.” Additionally, continued progress in wine quality and response to environmental challenges, such as preserving vineyard biodiversity and reducing carbon footprint, are central focuses.
Aware that only a collective approach will keep Beaujolais appellations shining in France and internationally, Sébastien Kargul is honored to take on these exciting challenges alongside the broader industry.

Château de Corcelles: A Hub for Beaujolais Tourism’s New Growth

Beyond wine, Beaujolais boasts countless treasures to explore, from natural wonders to cultural and culinary gems. We are always eager to support our region from a tourism perspective.
This year, we proudly hosted the General Assembly of Beaujolais Tourism (the Beaujolais Tourist Office) at Château de Corcelles on September 24, 2024. Over 200 participants gathered at our nine-century-old estate, including local officials, regional representatives, and tourism professionals. Among them were many partners from outside the area, highlighting Beaujolais’s growing appeal! We are thrilled Château de Corcelles was chosen for this event, marked by rich discussions, the validation of a new chapter for Beaujolais tourism, and moments of shared enjoyment. We also actively collaborate with Beaujolais tourism stakeholders, as seen in the latest Beaujolais Tourism promotional video. As you watch this invitation to visit Beaujolais and discover its countless surprises, can you spot Château de Corcelles and Château des Tours?

Promoting the Beaujolais Region: A Daily Mission for Our Two Châteaux

Each day, in their own way, the teams at our two Beaujolais châteaux contribute to showcasing our region to visitors. At Château des Tours, for example, we welcome guests year-round to our charming Beaujolais cottages, located just 12 kilometers from Villefranche-sur-Saône in the heart of the Brouilly appellation. These two retreats are nestled in a stunning 12th-century architectural complex, integral to the area’s historical, cultural, and wine heritage. Additionally, since 2024, our “La Sarrasine” cottage has been newly
refurbished with an elegant, warm interior design.

At Château de Corcelles, just 50 minutes from Lyon and 30 minutes from Mâcon, visitors can enjoy four unforgettable experiences all year long, savoring Beaujolais wines through tasting sessions. Once a year, during festive open house days, our château highlights local artisans and producers, offering exclusive tours, family-friendly activities, and wine discoveries.

As you can see, dedicating ourselves to the many facets of the Beaujolais region is a priority for our teams. Follow our key events and actions by joining us on

Instagram : @chateaudecorcelles @chateaudestoursbrouilly

Facebook : Château de Corcelles Château des Tours

LinkedIn : Domaines Richard

In the Rhône Valley, a Harvest Rich in Challenges and Promises

At Château La Nerthe, in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes-du-Rhône appellations, our harvests involved several weeks of meticulous work. This year, more than ever, tested our teams in the vineyards as unpredictable, rainy weather demanded constant attention, especially given our commitment to organic viticulture since 1998.
Despite these challenging conditions, the 2024 vintage already stands out for its potential, both for our Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes-du-Rhône wines. Thanks to the efforts of our teams and a more favorable September, we anticipate a fine reward in the bottle, which we eagerly await following the fermentation and aging of our wines.
At the Prieuré de Montézargues in the Tavel appellation, the observation is similar: although the yield was modest, the quality of the grapes was exceptional, promising excellent prospects for our Tavel rosé, an elegant, gastronomic wine…

In the Beaujolais Region, Grapes Promise a Quality 2024 Vintage

In the heart of Beaujolais, our Château des Tours and Château de Corcelles also saw a limited harvest volume. Nevertheless, we were delighted to see outstanding quality: the berries were healthy, ripe, and balanced, marking this vintage.
Both châteaux benefited from a superb August, which saved our grapes as the sunshine allowed each grape variety to reach ideal ripeness. Furthermore, our harvest teams enjoyed ideal working conditions, free from rain and extreme heat.
This emotional viticultural journey should yield refined and delicious wines for both the Brouilly wines of Château des Tours and the Fleurie, Morgon, Brouilly, and Beaujolais-Villages wines of Château de Corcelles.

For Our Bordeaux Châteaux, a Harvest Hinting at Freshness

In our Bordeaux vineyards, including Château Gantonnet, Château Victoria, Château Escalette, and Château de Barbe, we also contended with a changing, unpredictable climate. Resilience was the watchword for our teams throughout the 2024 campaign.
We did our utmost to avoid harvesting in the rain to preserve grape quality and prevent water in our vats. To our surprise, yields were positive: despite a challenging year with disease pressure, especially in spring, the grapes remained healthy.
This vintage promises freshness, lovely fruit notes, and pleasing digestibility for the AOC Bordeaux and AOC Bordeaux Supérieur wines of Château Gantonnet, the AOC Haut-Médoc and Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois wines of Château Victoria, the AOC Côtes de Bourg cuvée from Château l’Escalette, and various Bordeaux appellations from Château de Barbe.

Once again, we extend our deepest thanks to all our harvest teams, who tirelessly accomplished remarkable work despite the whims of this vintage. Whether in the Rhône, Beaujolais, or Bordeaux, their precise and attentive efforts have been crucial in ensuring the best possible quality for this 2024 harvest. Join us in a few months or years to taste these wines from our estates and châteaux…

The Beaujolais Vineyard: Extraordinary Geological Diversity

With 12,000 hectares, the size of its vineyard may seem modest. And yet… Beaujolais actually houses more than 300 variations of soils and subsoils! An unprecedented field study mapped this myriad of rocks and parent materials between 2009 and 2018. It reveals a geological history of over 500 million years: a heritage quite rare in France, distinguished in 2018 with the “UNESCO Global Geopark” label.

In this true mosaic of terroirs, the emblematic grape variety of Beaujolais, Gamay Noir, draws its countless facets. From one appellation or Beaujolais cru to another, it expresses new characteristic nuances. But more than that, multiple parcels each imprint the grape with an incomparable signature: a richness already revealed by Antoine Budker in 1874, through his renowned classification of the localities in the Beaujolais region…

Revealing the Potential of Beaujolais Terroirs through Single-Parcel Cuvées

During vinifications at Château des Tours and Château de Corcelles, certain localities in our Beaujolais vineyards have always impressed us with their remarkable typicity: highlighting their quality and uniqueness quickly became evident for the team at our two estates, guided by our Director Sébastien Kargul.

In addition to our traditional cuvées, entirely distinct wines have gradually come to life. These bottles, produced in limited quantities, embody with refined elegance the essence of our most admirable parcels. More than being the fruit of the vine, they reflect a place, a history, and a craftsmanship. The prestigious Trophée Beaujolais Lieu-dit, awarded by the Concours des Grands Vins du Beaujolais to Château des Tours in 2024, has moreover honored this approach, still recent in the Beaujolais appellations.

The single-parcel cuvées from Châteaux des Tours and Corcelles are thus an invitation to navigate through the various Beaujolais terroirs. Are you ready to embark? Here’s your itinerary!

1. Château de Corcelles Brouilly Les Roches

This cuvée was the very first single-parcel selection created by our team, as a true profession of faith dedicated to the diversity of our terroirs. It comes to life in the superb locality “Les Roches,” which spans 8 hectares in the far southwest of the Brouilly appellation.

Here, granitic sands support the vine at altitudes between 400 and 500 meters, promising Gamay a precise, airy, and complex expression. Behind its luminous red robe lie aromas of ripe red fruits and a captivating hint of garrigue. Silky and persistent, the wine leaves a lasting impression on the senses…

2. Château des Tours Brouilly Les Tours

Crowned by the Trophée Beaujolais Lieu-dit 2024, this Brouilly red wine stands out due to the natural amphitheater that nurtured it: a fabulous terroir perched at altitude, at the extreme south of the appellation. The oldest vines at Château des Tours, sometimes over 80 years old, thrive in sandy, poor, and acidic soils inherited from granite.

Particularly involved in the AOC Brouilly and its Premier Cru Commission, Cyril, the estate’s Cellar Master, conveys all his expertise through this exceptionally refined cuvée: a seductive nose between ripe fruits and spices, a subtle and assertive palate, intensity with a touch of indulgence…

3. Château des Tours Brouilly Combiaty

As early as 1874, “Combiaty” was identified by Antoine Budker as a locality with unparalleled character. At the edge of the Tours parcel, at the highest point of the amphitheater, very old Gamay vines planted in gobelet enjoy a magnificent southeast exposure and shallow soils from granite weathering.

In this Brouilly wine, everything fascinates: its enchanting concentration first, then its structure both powerful and delicate, punctuated by a distinctive refreshing minerality. And, to conclude the tasting, a long finish of great balance…

4. Château de Corcelles Fleurie Poncié

At the heart of the Fleurie appellation and Beaujolais, “Poncié” is one of those parcels that captivate wine enthusiasts. On its slopes, old Gamay Noir vines are firmly rooted in pink granite rocks, veined with mica and quartz.

In the glass, this Fleurie red wine gladly radiates its wonderful floral purity. Its aromatic score finely orchestrates a harmonious symphony of dark fruits, mineral notes, and underbrush accents. Time will only perfect this expression full of character…

Has this glimpse of the many nuances of Beaujolais terroirs piqued your curiosity? Follow us on social media to discover the latest single-parcel cuvée from Château de Corcelles soon… or visit the estate directly to taste the rest of its single-parcel wines!

Le Gîte du Vigneron: A Peaceful Haven Nestled in the Beaujolais Vineyard

Just 12 km from Villefranche-sur-Saône, our Gîte du Vigneron welcomes you in a 12th-century architectural complex, steeped in history: the beauty of the building’s stones thus harmoniously complements that of the surrounding vineyards. It’s impossible not to fall for this magnificent panorama…

But this dream setting is far from the only asset of our Beaujolais cottage, which can accommodate up to 15 people. In total, 250 m2 are willingly lent to your family gatherings, reunions, or peaceful retreats among friends. Pets are also welcome to accompany you.

A pleasant living area of 65 m2, with a lounge and dining area, a separate kitchen, and 4 large bedrooms are in turn the promise of convivial moments of relaxation, between two excursions or visits to Beaujolais cellars. On the terrace or under the covered porch, let your senses escape around a barbecue… and local wines, of course!

Finally, a brand new interior decoration has been dressing this beautiful Beaujolais rental house since 2024. The result of an inspiring collaboration with IKEA, it brings a touch of freshness and modernity to the place while preserving its soul. The perfect way to fully enjoy this charming setting…

Le Gîte La Sarrasine: An Atypical Interlude Facing the Brouilly Vines

This time, it’s within the Château des Tours itself that our large Beaujolais cottage La Sarrasine is hidden. Built in the 12th century, this fortress still boasts its two superb towers today: the cylindrical one, known as “sarrasine,” gives its name to your future cocoon for your holidays in the Rhône.

With no less than 350 m2 of space and 4 large dormitories, this Gîte de France in the heart of Beaujolais can house up to 46 people. Equipped with a huge living room of 110 m2 with a fully equipped kitchen, this accommodation has everything you need to gather large groups. Here again, our animal friends are not forgotten to enjoy the great outdoors…

Overlooking the Saône valley, the terrace is breathtaking with its unobstructed view over a sea of vineyards. The reliefs of Mont Blanc can even be admired on cloudless days. In short, if you are looking for a spacious, original, and rejuvenating group cottage in Beaujolais, La Sarrasine will meet all your expectations…

Unforgettable Experiences a Stone’s Throw from These Charming Cottages in Beaujolais

Ideally located, these two Beaujolais vacation rentals offer privileged access to a wide range of activities. Start naturally with a walk through the amphitheater-like vineyard plots of our prestigious Château des Tours, over 700 years old. The estate stands out for its rich past, its precise viticulture certified Terra Vitis and HVE level 3, as well as its three remarkable Beaujolais wines under the Brouilly appellation.

Then set out to discover the most beautiful villages of Beaujolais and their captivating heritage. Those who prefer more intense exertion are not short of options: tennis courts at 1 km, stables at 6 km, or a swimming pool and sailing base at 12 km. And when it comes to visiting Beaujolais, there are also numerous addresses to taste delicious regional products along the wine route: between bistros, cozy restaurants, and gourmet establishments, you just have to choose…

Marvelous pied-à-terre in the Beaujolais region, our two charming cottages await only you for delicious moments, timeless… If you wish to further visit the Beaujolais vineyard and indulge in wine tourism, do not hesitate to stop at the Château de Corcelles, just 20 minutes drive from there: in this other medieval fortress, classified as a Historical Monument, you will be guided through a fascinating exploration of the premises, as well as the estate’s wines… Have a good trip!

This year’s harvest began at the end of August in our two Beaujolais properties: Château de Corcelles and Château des Tours and has been less spread over time than in previous years. The heat wave and summer drought favored the early ripening of the berries and their concentration. Then, at the end of August, rain came to regulate the ripening, a guarantee for mature, juicy, and very healthy berries.

At Château de Corcelles, the Fleurie plots were the earliest, followed by the Brouilly and the Beaujolais-Villages on soils with a more mineral and fresh character. Then came the red and white Beaujolais, located on the northernmost section of the estate, where the ripening seems to have been delayed by the drought and the heat. We then harvested our plots of Morgon, more able to withstand the scorching summer, and finished with the Brouilly (especially Les Roches), which always require more time to ripen perfectly.

At Château des Tours, the harvest began with the Brouilly and ended with the old vine, which is more resistant and can be harvested later.  The Combiaty grapes were picked on September 3, a date studied and planned to obtain the desired ripeness to best unveil the identity of this unique terroir.

This sun-drenched vintage resembles 2020 as it is perfectly ripe, promising elegant, rich, concentrated, and fruity wines.