{"id":12099,"date":"2025-03-20T14:50:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-20T13:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beaujolais.com\/?p=12099"},"modified":"2026-11-05T15:07:30","modified_gmt":"2026-11-05T14:07:30","slug":"beaujolais-pierres-dorees-a-wine-collective-on-its-way-to-gaining-recognition-for-its-wines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beaujolais.com\/en\/2025\/03\/20\/beaujolais-pierres-dorees-a-wine-collective-on-its-way-to-gaining-recognition-for-its-wines\/","title":{"rendered":"Beaujolais Pierres Dor\u00e9es: a wine collective on its way to gaining recognition for its wines"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Have you ever heard of the \u201cPierres Dor\u00e9es\u201d? Both a geographical area recognisable by the bright colours of the stones in its villages and a sector of the AOC Beaujolais, the Pierres Dor\u00e9es are a veritable French gem! As proud of their heritage as they are of their terroirs, Pierres Dor\u00e9es winemakers are striving to gain recognition for their wines. Their wish is to properly promote this facet of the Beaujolais region, which delights all those who have already discovered it. Focus on this very special area and on the \u201cBeaujolais Pierres Dor\u00e9es\u201d collective\u2019s approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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PIERRES DOREES: AN IDEAL TERROIR FOR WINEGROWING<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Where are the Pierres Dor\u00e9es?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the south of the Beaujolais region, some 40 kilometres north of Lyon, lies a unique area called \u201cPierres Dor\u00e9es\u201d. The villages that make up the area, such as Pommiers, Theiz\u00e9, Lachassagne, Val d\u2019Oingt, Jarnioux, all have one thing in common: the undeniable beauty of their houses and bell towers built with golden stones which give the area its name \u2013 \u201cpierres dor\u00e9es\u201d means \u201cgolden stones\u201d. [cd1]<\/a>\u00a0This area of the Beaujolais region is a charming place, with its vine-covered hills, unique light and hilltop villages. Over the centuries, the Pierres Dor\u00e9es area has alternated between polyculture and viticulture, which helps explain the various landscapes found there today. Imagine for a moment a painting depicting vineyards and golden buildings scattered here and there, wheatfields and meadows with grazing cows and sheep. A slice of heaven!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cultivated since the Gallo-Roman era, vines are everywhere and are an integral part of the Pierres Dor\u00e9es\u2019 heritage. Today, more than 500 hectares of vines are cultivated under the \u201cBeaujolais Pierres Dor\u00e9es\u201d designation. This area covers 43 communes in the Beaujolais<\/a> appellation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A complex geological history<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While it may only stretch some 50 kilometres from south to north, the Beaujolais region is unique in that it is extremely rich in terms of geology. It is often described as a \u201cmosaic<\/a>\u201d, in reference to the many different soils that can be found there. In fact, there are no less than 300 different types of soil in the Beaujolais region. In 2018, UNESCO recognised this distinctive feature by awarding the region the label \u201cUNESCO Global Geopark<\/a>\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The richness of the Beaujolais soils is particularly obvious in the Pierres Dor\u00e9es. Tectonic movements as well as the effects of volcanoes and oceans have all helped shape the area. It\u2019s this history that makes the geology of the Pierres Dor\u00e9es area one of the richest and most complex in France.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

-> Find out more about the Beaujolais soils.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Pierres
The \u201cgolden stone\u201d: an iconic sedimentary limestone rock found in the Pierres Dor\u00e9es area \u00a0\u00a9 Jonas Jacquel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The Pierres Dor\u00e9es area stretches from the village of Rivolet to the Sa\u00f4ne river and from the village of L\u2019Arbresle to Saint-Julien. \u00a9 Soil-mapping agency Sigales 2017<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cStudies show that all the soil profiles of the Beaujolais region can be found in the Pierres Dor\u00e9es.\u201d
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Sylvain Flache, President of the cooperative winery\u00a0<\/em>Vignerons des Pierres Dor\u00e9es<\/em><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The geographical area of the Pierres Dor\u00e9es contains limestone, iron oxides, clays and volcanic rocks. The oldest rocks in the Beaujolais region \u2013 granite and gneiss \u2013 can also be found there. To the east, a large part of the Pierres Dor\u00e9es is composed of sedimentary rocks from the Mesozoic Era. In this area, limestone is interbedded with marl and sandstone. Throughout history, this overwhelming presence of limestone and marl helped establish a thriving stone-cutting industry in the Pierres Dor\u00e9es. So, it is to this large part of the Pierres Dor\u00e9es soil that we owe the name of this southern terroir of the Beaujolais appellation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BEAUJOLAIS PIERRES DOR\u00c9ES, WHAT IS YOUR FLAVOUR PROFILE?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although we tend to associate \u201cgolden\u201d with white, the Pierres Dor\u00e9es area does not only produce white wines. And while its white wines do have a good reputation, it produces far more red wines. In 2023, winemakers claimed to have produced 19,638 hL of red wines (Gamay) and 3,739 hL of white wines (Chardonnay).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Complex and concentrated red wines<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Beaujolais Pierres Dor\u00e9es reds are part of the Beaujolais<\/a> appellation. Gamay\u00a0<\/a>is the historic grape varietal of this area, where winemakers have always produced more red wines than white wines. They are fruity, well-structured and reveal aromas of black fruits as well as spicy notes. They are ruby-red in colour, smooth and round on the palate with a lingering finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ageing process of Beaujolais Pierres Dor\u00e9es is longer than for other Beaujolais wines, and takes place in vats or casks. They are long-keeping wines that can be drunk within 3 to 5 years of production, or more depending on the vintage. For example, winemaker Cyril Sapin (Domaine Sapin) says that bottles from 2020 or 2022 (solar years) can be left until 2028 or 2030!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Pierres Dor\u00e9es produce remarkable Beaujolais whites and reds \u00a9 Beaujolais Wines, Studio Baalt<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Outstanding white wines<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Beaujolais winemakers are particularly proud of their Beaujolais whites,<\/a>\u00a0which are well received. Some of the hills in the Pierres Dor\u00e9es area are ideal for white wines. The Pierres Dor\u00e9es area is rich in the clayey limestone soils that are particularly well-suited to growing Chardonnay\u00a0<\/a>and producing great terroir wines. Moreover, they gain in complexity from year to year as the Chardonnay vines age, having been planted more recently than the Gamay vines.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Marine
Marine Descombe \u00a9 Famille Descombe, Dominik Fusina<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cWe planted some Chardonnay vines on a family plot in Liergues, located on a wonderful limestone seam over 200 million years old. The result in the glass is breathtaking! The white wine it creates is fresh, mineral and has great tension.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Marine Descombe, winemaker at\u00a0<\/em>Ch\u00e2teau de Pougelon<\/em><\/a>\u00a0(Saint-Etienne-des-Oulli\u00e8res)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Beaujolais Pierres Dor\u00e9es whites are round, well-balanced and complex. They are golden in colour, just like the terroir they come from. They often reveal aromas of white fruits and flowers. Their time spent in casks can lend some of them slightly buttery and woody flavours. They are fresh and round on the palate with a lingering finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ageing process of white wines, which is often long, gives them great ageing potential. Thanks to this ageing process, Beaujolais Pierres Dor\u00e9es whites can be drunk between 1 and 6 years of production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013<\/em><\/a>> More information on Beaujolais whites<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Paysage
Cadole made of golden stones in the Beaujolais vineyard \u00a9 Beaujolais Wines, Etienne Ramousse<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A FUTURE D\u00c9NOMINATION G\u00c9OGRAPHIQUE COMPL\u00c9MENTAIRE FOR PIERRES DOR\u00c9ES WINES?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A collective promotes the uniqueness of Pierres Dor\u00e9es wines<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For several decades now, the \u201cPierres Dor\u00e9es\u201d indication has been popping up on the labels of bottles in the south of the Beaujolais region. In 2023, it could be found on more than 200 bottles, almost twice as many as in 2016. This indication enables consumers to pinpoint where the wines come from and winegrowers to differentiate their terroir-based cuv\u00e9es. Although these wines claim to be \u201cPierres Dor\u00e9es\u201d, they are neither officially recognised nor geographically protected. In fact, nothing currently guarantees their origin or method of production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cI’ve been putting \u2018Pierres Dor\u00e9es\u2019 on the labels of my bottles since 2018. This name speaks to me, it echoes our heritage, the architecture of our houses…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cyril Sapin, winemaker at Domaine Sapin (Val d\u2019Oingt)<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Cyril Sapin \u00a9 Le Progr\u00e8s, Marie-No\u00eblle Toinon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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For some 15 years, a collective of winemakers has been striving to obtain a \u201cD\u00e9nomination G\u00e9ographique Compl\u00e9mentaire\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>(DGC \u2013 Complementary Geographic Denomination) for Pierres Dor\u00e9es wines. Their goal? To gain recognition for the unique identity of their wines produced within the Beaujolais appellation. This collective, called \u201cBeaujolais Pierres Dor\u00e9es\u201d, aspires to bridge the gap between the people, vines and heritage of the area. It brings together both independent winemakers and wineries, as well as larger estates and wine cooperatives.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\r\n What is a D\u00e9nomination G\u00e9ographique Compl\u00e9mentaire? <\/h4>\r\n

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In the wine industry, it is possible to display specific indications such as a geographical denomination in addition to the appellation \u2013 for example adding \u201cPierres Dor\u00e9es\u201d to the Beaujolais appellation. This can both help consumers to more precisely identify where the wine is produced and promote the uniqueness of the product. After assessing the file and conducting a field survey, the INAO can decide whether or not to grant a D\u00e9nomination G\u00e9ographique Compl\u00e9mentaire (DGC). This helps \u201cto identify wines whose identity is linked to a territory smaller than that of the AOC\u201d.<\/p>\n <\/p>\r\n \r\n More information <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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\"Cadole
Cadole in Beaujolais Pierres Dor\u00e9es \u00a9 Beaujolais Wines, Etienne Ramousse<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Label on a bottle of Beaujolais Pierres Dor\u00e9es \u00a9 Beaujolais Wines, Studio Baalt<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Create a shared identity<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Obtaining a DGC is a long process. It involves submitting a file attesting to the long-standing existence of the name, the involvement of the winemakers and the exceptional nature of the wines. In order to formalise their DGC request, the members of the \u201cBeaujolais Pierres Dor\u00e9es\u201d collective split into working groups. Three commissions were set up: specifications, tasting and communication. WhatsApp groups, meetings, tastings\u2026 thanks to this organisation, the winemakers were able to formalise a shared vision. In 2017, they submitted their request to the INAO, who is currently in the assessment and discussion phase. Today, the collective shares a visual identity, as well as a set of specifications specific to Pierres Dor\u00e9es wines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The logo of the Beaujolais Pierres Dor\u00e9es collective illustrates the diversity of the plots and the colours of the wines, both red and white. The colour palette reflects the distinctive hues of the houses in the Pierres Dor\u00e9es area. And in pride of place, a glass of wine. This logo consolidates the collective’s unique approach and identity.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cThe \u2018Beaujolais Pierres Dor\u00e9es\u2019 collective brings together people from all backgrounds, driven by the same desire to move forward together and to focus on quality.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Sylvain Flache, President of the wine cooperative\u00a0<\/em>Vignerons des Pierres Dor\u00e9es<\/em><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Sylvain
Sylvain Flache, Vignerons des Pierres Dor\u00e9es \u00a9 Compagnie de Burgondie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What does a D\u00e9nomination G\u00e9ographique Compl\u00e9mentaire in the Pierres Dor\u00e9es involve?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The file submitted to the INAO outlines a number of distinctive points for wines that could be granted a Beaujolais Pierres Dor\u00e9es DGC:<\/p>\n\n\n\n