2020 Côte de Brouilly, Domaine Lafarge Vial, Beaujolais
Critics reviews
On blue stone terroir, with the destemming done by hand. Sensual, rich purple, completely different in style to the others. This has a much richer fruit layer. Slightly firmer tannins to finish, though they do not destabilise the essential fruit. Very successful.
Jasper Morris MW, InsideBurgundy.com (October 2021)
The 2020 Côte de Brouilly comes from blue granite soils and is de-stemmed by hand. It has ample fruit on the nose: blackberry, blueberry, and light violet aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, lightly spiced, perhaps the most Pinot-like of Lafarge’s Bojos, with a very persistent, structured finish. Excellent.
Drink 2025 - 2042
Neal Martin, Vinous.com (December 2021)
About this WINE
Lafarge Vial
Domaine Lafarge Vial is a well-established winery in Beaujolais, founded by Frédéric Lafarge and his wife Chantal in the spring of 2014. Situated in the commune of Fleurie, the domaine owns several vineyard parcels in Fleurie and one small adjoining parcel in Chiroubles within the lieu-dit Bel-Air.
The vineyards are traditionally trained in the gobelet method and planted on degraded granite soils. Right from the start, the Lafarges embraced biodynamic practices, mirroring their approach at Domaine Michel Lafarge in Volnay, and they are working towards obtaining biodynamic certification for their Fleurie and Chiroubles wines.
With a focus on producing Cru Beaujolais, the Lafarge family employs the same intensity and artistry as they do with their renowned Domaine Michel Lafarge in Volnay. They own over 4 hectares of Gamay vines, some up to 70 years old, spread across five parcels on steep granitic terrain.
The vineyard management is done manually, using horse ploughing on steep slopes. Winemaker Frédéric Lafarge follows traditional Burgundian vinification techniques, including natural yeast fermentation in open concrete vats, utilizing around 25% whole cluster, and employing gentle extraction with remontage only. The wines undergo a short 12-month ageing process in used oak barrels of 228L and 350L.
Like other established Burgundian producers, who have turned their attention to Beaujolais, the Lafarges emphasize producing wines from specific regional appellations, focusing on Fleurie and Chiroubles. Their dedication to crafting terroir-driven, serious wines has made an immediate impact in Beaujolais, and their commitment to organic and biodynamic practices reflects their belief in sustainable and artisanal winemaking.
Côte de Brouilly
The Côte de Brouilly is one of the most distinguished among the ten Beaujolais Crus, located in the heart of the Beaujolais region in eastern France. This small but significant appellation is set on the slopes of Mont Brouilly, an extinct volcano, which imparts a unique character to the wines produced here. The terroir of Côte de Brouilly is defined by its blue volcanic rock and granite soils, which contribute to the wines' distinctive mineral quality and complexity.
Viticulture in Côte de Brouilly benefits from the varied topography and microclimates around the hill, allowing for optimal ripening conditions for the Gamay grape, the predominant variety grown in the region. These volcanic and granite soils provide excellent drainage and encourage deep root systems, which help the vines withstand drought and produce concentrated, flavourful grapes. The result is wines with notable freshness, structure, and a distinct minerality that are enjoyable when young and capable of ageing gracefully.
The wines of Côte de Brouilly are characterised by their vibrant fruit flavours, often showcasing red berries, cherries, and a hint of spice. The volcanic influence adds a subtle smoky note, enhancing the complexity and depth of the wines. The region's unwavering commitment to quality viticulture is evident in the meticulous care taken in the vineyards, where sustainable practices are increasingly adopted to preserve the health of the soils and the environment, ensuring a high standard of the wines.
Gamay
A French variety planted predominately in Beaujolais where it is the grape behind everything from light and often acidic Beaujolais Nouveau through to the more serious and well-structured wines from the 10 cru villages. It takes its name from a hamlet just outside Chassagne-Montrachet and was at one stage widely planted on the Côte d`Or. However it was gradually phased out due to its poor yield and supposed poor quality of its wines.
The majority of Gamay wines in Beaujolais are labelled as Beaujolais or Beaujolais-Villages and are deliciously juicy, easy drinking, gulpable wines. Of more interest are the Cru wines from the 10 villages in the north of the region where the soil is predominantly granitic schist and where the vines are planted on gently undulating slopes. These can be well-structured, intensely perfumed wines, redolent of ripe black fruits and, while delicious young, will reward medium term cellaring.
Gamay is also grown in the Touraine region of the Loire where it produces soft, well-balanced, gluggable wines for drinking young.
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Description
This parcel is a fermage contract, facing south-east on blue granite soils on the steeply sloping Mont Brouilly. One-third of the fruit was kept as whole bunches, the remainder manually destemmed. Everything was aged in foudre. There is plenty of rich, sweet bilberry fruit, spice and a pleasing salinity.
Drink 2025 - 2032
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