Gamay
Organic
Dry
Light Bodied
750ml
13% alc./vol

Château de La Chaize Fleurie 2019

Beaujolais,

90 points - Robert Parker
90 points - James Suckling

$25.95per bottle ($311.40per case)
12 bottles per case

Fruity & Bright

Château de La Chaize is among the oldest, most historic estates in Burgundy’s Beaujolais region. Cared for by the same family for nearly three and a half centuries, the estate has been passed on to new owners, the Gruy family, who are equally committed to managing the estate with the utmost care, while implementing an ambitious environmental plan.

2019 marks the return of a vintage that is typical of Beaujolais, showcasing all of the Gamay grape’s crisp freshness!

The Fleurie appellation has the geographical particularity of sloping down from a range of peaks including the Fût d’Avenas, Col de Durbize, Col des Labourons and Pic Raymont. The hill, called La Madone, towers over the appellation, offering a breath-taking panorama of all the vineyards. Located entirely in the commune by the same name, it owes its name to a Roman legionary.

For this wine, fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks using indigenous yeasts with semi-carbonic maceration - 50% Burgundian (destemmed) and 50% whole cluster. 50% of the wine is aged in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, and the other 50% in large wooden vats (foudres).

The 2019 Fleurie wafts from the glass with pretty aromas of sweet berry fruit, spices, rose petals and orange rind. Medium to full-bodied, ample and perfumed, with melting tannins and lively acids, it's pretty and delicate, with lovely purity of fruit that reflects intensive sorting after an outbreak of botrytis.

Pair with all meats, chicken, wild mushrooms, and strong cheeses.

About the Winery

Domaine du Château de La Chaize

Château de La Chaize is among the oldest, most historic estates in Burgundy’s Beaujolais region. Cared for by the same family for nearly three and a half centuries, the estate has been passed on to new owners, the Gruy family, who are equally committed to managing the estate with the utmost care, while implementing an ambitious environmental plan. Among the many initiatives is the conversion of all vineyards to organic farming, the adoption of precision viticulture, reducing carbon their carbon footprint, and recycling every by-product from viti- and vinicultural activity, to achieve zero waste.

Founded in 1670 by the seneschal of Lyon François de la Chaize d’Aix, the main Château de la Chaize building and gardens were completed by Jules-Hardouin Mansart and André le Nôtre, respectively architect and gardener of the Château de Versailles. Château de la Chaize is among the oldest, most historic estates in Burgundy’s Beaujolais region. Boasting over 250 acres of vineyards, it is also one of the largest. It is today considered one of the most innovative estates in Burgundy. Among its forward- thinking practices is the adoption of eco-friendly farming techniques, commonly referred to as Agriculture Raisonnée. Chemical treatments have been reduced to a strict minimum, for example, and the growing of grass between rows has been re-introduced to enrich the soil and reduce erosion.

Press Reviews

Robert Parker

90 points

The 2019 Fleurie wafts from the glass with pretty aromas of sweet berry fruit, spices, rose petals and orange rind. Medium to full-bodied, ample and perfumed, with melting tannins and lively acids, it's pretty and delicate, with lovely purity of fruit that reflects intensive sorting after an outbreak of botrytis.

The ambitious restoration of the Château de La Chaize and its vineyards—including a transition to organic farming initiated in 2020—continues apace, and the results continue to manifest themselves in the glass. Amounting to 140 hectares, of which 60 are planted to vine, this has the potential to number among the region's most important producers. The team, headed by Boris Gruy, has invested in a new cuverie and foudres, with the wines seeing two winters' élevage before bottling. The wines reviewed here are the best they've produced to date, and I'm delighted to see this domaine's upward trajectory. Consumers and importers should start paying attention!

James Suckling

90 points

This medium-bodied Fleurie has plenty of structure and a very redcurrant flavor. The tannins give it drive and length, but if they were a touch less demonstrative, it would rate even higher. Some obvious minerality. Begs for charcuterie! Drink or hold.