Famille Dutraive Chiroubles, Beaujolais, France

2023 Famille Dutraive Chiroubles captures the fragrant, energetic side of Gamay through Jean-Louis Dutraive's remarkably light-handed approach to Beaujolais. Sourced from organically farmed vineyards, the wine emphasizes Chiroubles' natural perfume and delicacy, with vibrant dark and red fruit, floral lift, spice and the mineral character associated with the cru's granitic terrain. Carbonic maceration and indigenous yeasts preserve freshness and aromatic clarity, giving the wine an expressive, supple texture that balances concentration with the easy movement and brightness characteristic of Dutraive's wines.

Product Details:

• Founder & Winemaker: Jean-Louis Dutraive
• Grape Variety: Gamay
• Farming: Organically farmed fruit sourced from local growers
• Soils: Granite
• Fermentation: Carbonic maceration with indigenous yeasts
• Alcohol: 13%

Sensory Description:

Fragrant and lively, with an expressive core of dark and red fruit framed by floral notes, exotic spice and a distinct mineral quality. The palate combines concentration with the delicacy expected from Chiroubles, carrying fresh Gamay fruit across a supple, energetic texture. Bright acidity keeps the wine animated, while savory and mineral details provide depth beneath the fruit. The overall impression is balanced and aromatic, with enough substance to provide structure without diminishing the cru's naturally graceful character.

Winemaker's Background:

Jean-Louis Dutraive created the Famille Dutraive label after the severe 2016 frost devastated most of the harvest at his family's Domaine de la Grand'Cour in Fleurie. The project allowed him to continue making wine by sourcing organically farmed fruit from trusted growers throughout Beaujolais. Jean-Louis applies the same low-intervention philosophy that defines his estate wines, favoring indigenous fermentation, carbonic maceration, restrained extraction and minimal cellar manipulation to preserve Gamay's perfume, freshness and sense of place. His children Justin, Ophélie and Lucas are also increasingly involved in the family's winemaking work.

Serving Suggestions:

Its freshness, fragrant fruit and supple structure make this Chiroubles particularly versatile at the table. Pair it with fresh and soft cheeses, legumes, roast chicken, pork or other simply prepared white meats. A light chill can further emphasize the wine's floral aromatics, lively fruit and refreshing character.