Domaine de la Madone
The site of M Despres’s winery and vineyards is wonderfully placed on the hillsides overlooking the Fleurie area of Beaujolais. The Estate has been in the family for five generations and they are justifiable proud of their position – the south western slopes benefit from a good amount of sunshine and the granite soil, which so suits the Gamay grape, forces the vines to push its roots deeper for moisture which imparts a finesse to the eventual wine. The wines are vinified traditionally and are bottled between 6 and 10 months after harvest. Although Beaujolais is mostly drunk young, a cru, such as Fleurie, can benefit from a few years ageing.