Postcards from Beaujolais
In early spring, I had the pleasure of accompanying friends to Beaujolais, a wine region venerated for its guzzle-worthy Gamay Noir. Beaujolais is undeniably alluring both as a region and a wine, but it is the genial, down-to-earth nature of the people that make this region truly special. The producers have a very deep love for the land they farm and they treat it as such, employing a wholistic hand in both the vineyards and the winery.
During our time in Beaujolais, we visited the cellars of Marcel Lapierre and Jean-Louis Dutraive (Clos de la Grand'Cour). Here are some photos I took during our visit.
Oak foudres for aging wine // Marcel Lapierre
At Lapierre, the grapes are pressed in a traditional basket press, age on lees for a minimum of nine months in 10-year-old oak foudres.
Clos de la Grand'Cour // Dutraive
Domaine de la Grand'Cour is located the Village of Fleurie, and was purchased in 1969 by the Dutraive family. In 2009, the vineyards were certified organic.
The vibrant color and energy in these wines are undeniable.
2016 Fleurie // Dutraive
The 2016 Fleurie is aromatic and fresh. As its name suggests, offers a floral bouquet in addition to fresh strawberries and white pepper
Old vines atop the Côte du Py in Morgon
The Côte du Py is one of the most celebrated vineyards in Beaujolais. Resting atop an extinct volcano, these gobelet-trained old vines yield a rich and full bodied expression of Gamay.
A large cross sits atop the Côte du Py
On a clear day, the town of Morgon is visible from atop the Côte du Py.
Granitic Chénas // Famille Dutraive
Le chien de Dutraive!
A view from the cellar // Lapierre
From barrel, we tasted Lapierre's 2016 assemblage of Cuvée Camille. It is a knockout! Grown on dense and dark granititic spoils from the Côte du Py lieu-dit. This cuvée is aged lees in old Burgundy Barrels.
Barrel tasting // Dutraive
We tasted the 2016 from barrel with Jean-Louis Dutraive in addition to his current release bottlings.
Justin Dutraive (left) Famille Dutraive Chénas (right)
Jean-Louis has started working on a project with his three children. Theses wines are bottled under the Famille Dutraive label.
Cap-Ô-Sud Cinsault // Famille Dutraive
The Cap-Ô-Sud Cinsault is sourced from organic vineyards in Beaujolais and Languedoc.
Additional Resources
If you are interested in learning more about Beaujolais, I recommend listening to this podcast from the Guild of Sommeliers.