Domaine Lafarge-Vial

THE Domaine Lafarge-Vial This is one of the most exciting projects to have emerged in Beaujolais in recent years. It represents the union of two illustrious names from Burgundy: Frédéric Lafarge (from the mythical) Domaine Michel Lafarge in Volnay) and his wife Chantal Vial.

In 2014, this couple of purist winemakers decided to cross the border from the Côte d'Or to settle in Beaujolais, convinced by the exceptional potential of the granite terroirs for the Gamay grape variety.

The Volnaysian Spirit in Beaujolais

The arrival of the Lafarge family in Beaujolais is not a commercial operation, but a commitment from "artisanal winemakers." They apply the same rigor and philosophy to Chiroubles and Fleurie as they do to their Volnay vineyards. Premier Cru :

• Biodynamics: From the moment the vineyards were bought back, the domaine has been converted to biodynamic agriculture (Demeter certified). For the Lafarge family, winemaking begins with healthy soil and respect for lunar cycles.

• Manual Labor: The vineyards, often very steep (especially in Chiroubles), are worked by hand or with the help of draft horses to avoid soil compaction.

A Heritage of Vieilles Vignes

THE domaine It is small (approximately 4 hectares initially), but it brings together ideally located plots in two major wine regions:

Chiroubles

This is the highest cru in Beaujolais. Here, the soil is composed of decomposed granite (granitic sands).

• The style: Wines of extreme finesse, floral (violet), ethereal, with a crystalline freshness. This is undoubtedly the wine of the domaine which comes closest to the elegance of a Volnay.

Flowery

THE domaine owns plots of land such as The Joy of the Palace And Bel-Air.

• The style: These wines are fuller-bodied and silkier, with notes of peony and luscious red berries. The Fleurie terroir imparts a remarkable depth of texture.

Winemaking "in the Burgundian style"

This is where Lafarge-Vial distinguishes itself from local tradition. While many in Beaujolais practice carbonic maceration (whole bunches, CO2-saturated environment), the Lafarge family uses a more Burgundian method:

• Partial scratch: Depending on the vintage, part of the grapes are destemmed (the berries are separated from the stem).

• Traditional macerations: The aim is to extract fine tannins and an elegant structure rather than simple aromas of candy or banana.

• Livestock farming: The wines are aged in old oak barrels (Burgundian pieces) or foudres, without any new wood so as not to mask the purity of the fruit.