Stéphane Aviron has adopted an almost radical return to tradition in Beaujolais: sustainable viticulture, extremely old vines and classic Burgundian techniques. His cru Beaujolais drink like fine Burgundy.
Historically considered "poor man's Burgundy," a modern movement toward fruity, simple, quaffing wines boosted sales but eroded the region's traditional quality. Stéphane Aviron has reversed the trend. By focusing on the Beaujolais village crus, the best sites for unique, expressive wines, and finding old parcels of vines, Aviron creates very expressive, age-worthy wines relying on traditional and new methods, including organic and biodynamic vineyard management. All wines are labeled "Vieilles Vignes," old vines, because the vines are at least 40 years old. Stéphane Aviron's wines are authentic in every way.
"A very structured wine including the soft, leathery tannins. Wild strawberries, plums, and berries...lots of ripe, red currants to finish off the wine.
Wine Advocate 90 "The Potel-Aviron 2009 Fleurie Vieilles Vignes hails from the Point du Jour – near the edge of the Moulin-a-Vent appellation – and La
Wine Advocate 92 "The sumptuously-textured Potel-Aviron 2009 Morgon Cote du Py Vieilles Vignes is surprisingly understated but ultimately quite convincing, and almost certainly worth pursuing for
"The vines here are 65 years old and the wine is ample, full of fruit with suppleness in the center and a firmness at the
Wine Spectator 87 ""A richer style for the Cote de Brouilly, displaying chocolate and sandalwood flavors that weave through spiced plum and kirsch notes. This is
Cellartracker 90 "All wines from Potel Aviron are labeled Vieilles Vignes, old vines, because the vines are at least 40 years-old. This is true Beaujolais!
International Wine Cellar 90 "Bright ruby-red. Pungent aromas of cherry pit and black raspberry are lifted by a hint of blood orange. Deeply pitched dark fruit
Wine Spectator 91 "Fresh and tangy, enriched with coffee liqueur and smoky base notes, this offers light tannins framing the flavors of pure black cherry and
"The grapes are from parcels of 50 year old vines located on sandy granitic soils. The cru villages of Beaujolais are generally on rocky, granitic
End of item list