Domaine de la Grand'Cour JL Dutraive Vieilles Vignes Fleurie Champagne 2021

Cellar for up to 8 years. Decant 1 hour before serving.

Jean-Louis Dutraive comes from a long line of winemakers and grape growers, so it was only natural that in 1977 he should enter the family business, Domaine de la Grand’Cour. Today he has just 11.5 hectares of prime vineyards in Fleurie and Brouilly which he uses to make exceptional artisanal Beaujolais wines. His vineyards are all farmed organically to produce the finest quality grapes and in the winery he uses only a gentle touch of oak to allow the character of the terroir to shine through.

The lieu-dit “Champagne” Fleurie is Jean-Louis’ flagship wine and is sourced from the family’s prized plot in the southern part of Fleurie planted with 70 year old vines. Once in the winery the grapes are fermented in concrete vats using natural yeasts and the young wine is then aged in oak barrels for 8 months before bottling.

On the nose there are enchanting hints of cherry liqueur, red plum and wild strawberries along with dried herbs and earthy notes. The first sip reveals a real depth of flavour with plenty of concentrated red berries and a touch of spice from the oak. On the palate there is a bright streak of acidity, medium body and fine tannins that make this a great match for charcuterie, tomato-based pasta dishes, and roast duck.