DOMAINE DE LA CHAPONNE

This is a wonderful family Domaine of 13 hectares run by Laurent and Laurence Guillet. They produce wines from Morgon (12 h/a). Morgon Côte du Py is the finest part of the Morgan Cru producing fine, age worthy wines with vines that are an average age of 60 years old! They use a ‘système de grillage’ for increased contact with the skins to bring out the full character and potential of the wine. These are gorgeous deep wines which can be drunk now, but kept for ten years or more make super Burgundy like wine! The vines are on average around 60 years old. The Cuvée Saint Joseph is named after Laurent’s grandfather who started the Domaine. It is barrel-aged for those after greater richness. Truly magnificent wines!

Domaine de la Madone is truly bucolique! The rolling hillsides of vines surrounding the Domaine are breath-taking. The biodiversity is plentiful with bees, crickets and butterflies amongst the vines. Jean-Marc and Arnaud Després are very focused on nature with their own vegetable gardens at the Domaine which they use in the kitchen of their auberge lunch spot at the Domaine.

The Domaine is situated along the hillside of la Madone in Fleurie, just above and below the chapel de la Madone, which was constructed in 1870. Their old vines are situated just below the winery and are 70-100 years old.

The Domaine consists of 17 hectares of which 10 h/a are Fleurie Cuvée Tradition and 2 h/a Vieilles Vignes.The grapes are whole bunch fermented with 10-15 days of maceration. There is remontage twice a day but no pigeage. At the end of the élevage there is a light filtration and a tiny amount of sulphur is added.

DOMAINE DE LA FORGE, Chiroubles

The Chiroubles (1 h/a) which comes from Laurence’s family has granitic, sandy, stony soils producing fruity, younger drinking styles of wine. The grapes are whole bunch fermented with a remontage once or twice a day depending on the vintage for around 10 days. There is no pigeage. Quite delicious!

www.laurent-guillet.com