Julien Sunier is one of Beaujolais' most celebrated natural winemakers, known for producing wines of exceptional purity, precision, and terroir expression. Working from his base in the Beaujolais crus, Sunier farms all of his fruit organically and approaches winemaking with a philosophy of minimal intervention — allowing the Gamay grape and the land to speak for themselves. Wild Soul is his ‘anytime red’: a wine conceived for pure, effortless pleasure, and a perfect introduction to his singular style.
The 2024 Wild Soul is sourced from 4.5 hectares of organically farmed vineyards in Régnié, with the addition, for the first time, of some declassified Morgon and Fleurie — making this effectively a Beaujolais Cru blend in all but name. The vineyards sit at high altitude (400 meters), where cooler temperatures and granitic soils produce Gamay of exceptional freshness, aromatic vibrancy, and natural tension.
Vinification follows Sunier's signature approach: cold carbonic maceration without extraction, fermentation with indigenous yeasts, and maturation in 3,000-liter foudres on fine lees. Only 10mg/L of SO₂ is added just prior to bottling, and the wine is released unfiltered — preserving every nuance of the fruit and terroir.
The 2024 opens with an open, expressive bouquet of cranberry, tomato vine, and subtle ferrous notes — complex and well-defined for a Beaujolais-Villages. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, poised, and transparent, with fine tannins, lively acidity, and a tensile, persistent finish. Pure, vibrant Gamay at its most compelling. Best served slightly chilled.
"Open and expressive bouquet with cranberry and touches of tomato vine, very well defined and complex for a Beaujolais-Villages… The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, very poised and transparent, with a tensile and quite persistent finish. Excellent."
— Vinous, 89 Points. (Vintage 2024).
Grape: Gamay
Region: Beaujolais, France
Appellation: Beaujolais Villages
Vintage: 2024
Farming: Certified Organic
Altitude: ~400 meters
Élevage: 3,000L foudres; unfiltered; 10mg/L SO₂
Bottle Size: 750ml
Pairing: Charcuterie, pâté, roast chicken, duck confit, mushroom dishes, and earthy lentil stews. Serve slightly chilled.
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