Famille Dutraive 'Cap sur le Blanc' Chardonnay, Vin de France

The 2021 Famille Dutraive 'Cap sur le Blanc' Chardonnay is a vivid and elegant white wine that captures the Dutraive family’s devotion to purity, balance, and terroir. Sourced from organically farmed vineyards in the Beaujolais region and crafted with minimalist winemaking by Jean-Louis Dutraive and his children, this cuvée is a luminous expression of Chardonnay with a distinctly natural spirit.

Product Details:

• Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2021
• Alcohol: 13%
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Vinification: Hand-harvested; low-intervention; native yeasts; no chemical inputs; no fining or filtration
• Winemaker: Jean-Louis Dutraive

Sensory Description:

Bright golden in the glass, this Chardonnay unfolds with a graceful and complex aromatic bouquet. Notes of green apple, hazelnut, and white flowers emerge first, gradually giving way to intriguing hints of toasted sesame and delicate minerality. On the palate, the wine is rich and textured, yet precisely structured. Its vibrant acidity brings tension and energy, leading to a lingering, savory finish that echoes with depth and nuance.

Winemaker's Background:

Domaine de la Grand’Cour, owned by Jean-Louis Dutraive, is one of the benchmark estates in Beaujolais. The property spans 11.7 hectares across Fleurie and Brouilly, and has been certified organic since 2009. Jean-Louis, known for his soulful winemaking, eschews modern additives in favor of carbonic maceration, native yeasts, and unfined, unfiltered wines. While best known for his expressive Gamays, his Chardonnay, a rarity in Beaujolais, is equally distinctive, showcasing the same commitment to terroir transparency and elegance.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled at around 12°C (54°F) to highlight its refreshing structure and aromatic complexity. Pair with roasted chicken, hazelnut-crusted goat cheese, or grilled white asparagus. It also complements richer seafood dishes like scallop risotto or crab cakes, offering a beautiful contrast of freshness and texture.

The 2021 Famille Dutraive 'Cap sur le Blanc' Chardonnay is a testament to how Beaujolais can surprise and delight beyond Gamay. This wine reflects the Dutraive family’s thoughtful viticulture and natural approach, offering a compelling, food-friendly Chardonnay that shines with authenticity.