Fleurie Le Pigeonnier

A lighter style of cru Beaujolais, Fleurie is characterized by blossom-like red fruit and the unmistakeable aromas of les fleurs rose and violet. Undoubtedly the prettiest of the crus, Fleurie is excellent chilled.

Fleurie itself is found in the north of Beaujolais and covers an unbroken area of three square miles. The soil here is almost entirely made up of pinkish granite that is unique to this part of Beaujolais.

Situated on the Fleurie hills between the villages of La Madone and Pionce, this Fleurie benefits from southern exposure which ensures maximum sunshine is obtained.

Pigeonniers were originally brought to France by the Romans, and the pigeon soon acquired an important place in French cuisine. From early basic examples of clay pots for the birds to breed in, the Middle Ages saw pigeonniers develop into highly ornate and elaborate structures housing many thousands of birds.

Prior to the French Revolution, the keeping of pigeons was a right restricted to royalty, the clergy and the nobility. Peasants were prohibited by law from breeding, eating or hunting pigeons – even when the birds attacked their crops.

The privilege was part of a hierarchical display of wealth, authority and power. Pigeonniers were soon being designed and built to reflect this status: the bigger and more ornate the pigeonnier, the more important the owner.

Laws changed after the overthrow of the aristocracy and the keeping of pigeons became universally permitted all over France, but post-Revolutionary vandalism destroyed many of these symbols of the ancient-regime.