Domaine de la Madone Beaujolais-Villages BIO 2020

PRICE DROP - $19.95 on 6 or more!

Domaine de la Madone is located on the slopes of the Madone hill overlooking the village of FLEURIE, one of the ten recognized Beaujolais crus in the northern half of the region. The vineyard Le Perréon sits atop crumbled pink granite soils at the top of the hill and is often considered by connoisseurs to be among the best of all Beaujolais-Villages sites. It enjoys exceptional sunshine throughout the growing season and has thrived under the stewardship of the Despres family for the last six generations. La Madone is the name of the small chapel erected at the top of the hill, topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary. It was raised in 1866 by local grape growers to protect the vines against powdery mildew. Arnaud Despres' great-great-grandfather was among those who hoisted the statue to the top with the help of their oxen. Over the years, a local push is ongoing to elevate the vineyard to cru status. Noted wine critic, William Kelley, had this to say about this exclusive site:

“As I've written before, the steep slopes and decomposed pink granite of Le Perréon mean that its vineyards number among the finest in the Beaujolais-Villages appellation, and their potential for high quality is exemplified by Domaine de la Madone. Invariably beautifully balanced, supple and charming, these wines are delicious on release but also reliably age with grace. The 2020 vintage represents another fine success, and everything reviewed here comes warmly recommended.”

The vineyards are organically farmed, despite the numerous difficulties presented by the extremely steep slope and precariously loose top soil. The vines themselves are a minimum of 40 years old, with many 75+ years in age. Vinification is very traditional, hand-harvested by a crew of thirty pickers, and fermented via native yeasts in open top tanks before aging in a combination of tank and concrete vats.

The wine itself is classic Beaujolais with bright aromas of red cherries and raspberries, delicate floral notes of lilac and iceberg roses and a juicy core of black plums. In the mouth, the wine is rich yet agile, with velvety tannins and vibrant acidity. Good to go, but if you decide to grab a few and drink them over the next 5-7 years... We promise you won’t be disappointed!

PAIRING IDEAS: Deceptively easy to make and rock-you-to-your-core delish, this chicken liver mousse is the ideal match for this wine. Serve with toast points, pickled shallots, and cornichons and you’ll be in culinary heaven.

MUSIC SUGGESTIONS: If serious Beaujolais like this had a specific music genre, I’d argue it was early 80s punk rock. Case in point, The Descendents and “Hope”.