2022 Alexandre Burgaud Beaujolais-Lantignie Villages

Beaujolais insiders know: the next big thing isn’t coming, it’s already here, and its name is Lantignié. Sitting between Morgon and Régnié, with vineyards rooted in the same noble granite as the great crus, Lantignié is positioning itself as Beaujolais’ next official Cru. Critics are paying attention because the wines deliver the floral lift of Fleurie, the dark-fruited grip of Morgon, and the minerality of Côte du Py—all at a fraction of the price. Standards here are tightening fast: growers formed Vignerons et Terroirs de Lantignié in 2017 to push for lower yields, stricter practices, and terroir transparency. This is where the future of Beaujolais is being written.

And at the heart of it is Alexandre Burgaud. Fourth-generation vigneron, cousin of the famed Jean-Marc Burgaud, Alexandre is already being called a “superstar of the future.” William Kelley of The Wine Advocate has flagged him as “one to watch,” praising his traditional approach of whole-cluster fermentations in concrete and élevage in old wood. Virgin Wines gushes that his Lantignié “is as good as any fine Fleurie.” He works some of the oldest vines in the village—up to 120 years old—planted densely on blue granite soils. Yields are low, everything is hand-harvested, and the wines come alive with energy and texture that scream Cru quality.

The 2022 is vivid and seductive. Semi-carbonic maceration brings fleshy black-cherry fruit, violets, and lifted red berry aromas. Silky tannins give polish while granite adds a long, mineral finish. It’s joyous, structured, and versatile—serious enough to age, but too delicious to resist now.