Domaine Julien Sunier ★ 4.7
Natural-wine producer working across Régnié and Fleurie, known for transparent, mineral Gamay with whole-cluster character. Julien Sunier trained in Burgundy and brings terroir precision to Beaujolais.
ClassificationBrouilly AOC
VarietalsGamay
BiodynamicBiodynamic Practicing
OrganicORGANIC CERTIFIED
Natural wineYes
NeighbourhoodBrouilly AOC
Cheese with Domaine Jean-Claude Lapalu wines
Fromage fort de la Croix-Rousse
Local tradition French Wikipedia quotes the Inventaire du patrimoine culinaire de la France: in Lyon's bouchons the pot sat at the corner of the bar and was spread on toasted bread, accompanied by a beaujolais. A plain Gamay red suits its sharpness.
Beaujolais, red, Beaujolais: Beaujolais Eau Forte
Cervelle de canut
Our pick The Observatoire des produits du terroir lists Beaujolais AOC and Coteaux-du-Lyonnais among the reds for it. The cool, herby fromage blanc wants a fresh, fruity Gamay with modest tannin that does not fight the vinegar.
Beaujolais, red, Beaujolais: Beaujolais Eau Forte
Charolais
Our pick The Burgundy wine board's top pick for Charolais is Viré-Clessé, a white from outside Beaujolais. A fruity Brouilly, a Gamay cru, also suits the firm, creamy goat paste: its acidity and red fruit lift the hay and hazelnut notes.
Brouilly, Beaujolais: Brouilly Cuvée Alma Mater · Brouilly Vieilles Vignes
Location
Address: Saint-Etienne-la-Varenne, 69460 Brouilly, France, Beaujolais
More vineyards in Beaujolais
Chateau Thivin ★ 4.7
Cote de Brouilly estate operated by the Geoffray family since 1877, sited on the volcanic Mont Brouilly. Produces Cote de Brouilly and Brouilly as well as Beaujolais Blanc.
Tasting: Cellar visits and tastings available; the estate sits on the volcanic Mont Brouilly slope.
Signature wines: Thivin Cote De Brouilly, Thivin Brouilly
Tip: The estate's Cote de Brouilly cuvees reflect the volcanic basalt soils of Mont Brouilly distinctively.
Domaine Chignard ★ 4.5
Family domaine in Fleurie producing elegant, perfumed Gamay from granite soils with a traditional winemaking approach balancing fruit and structure.
Tasting: By appointment; small family domaine on the granite hills of Fleurie.
Domaine Berrod ★ 4.4
Independent Fleurie producer created in 1954 by Rene Berrod, now farmed by Guillaume Ruet. Produces Fleurie and Moulin-a-Vent with traditional methods as member of Vignerons Independants.
Tasting: Visits by appointment at the estate in Fleurie village.
Chateau du Moulin-a-Vent ★ 4.6
Historic Moulin-a-Vent estate centred on the appellation's landmark windmill lieu-dit, producing age-worthy Gamay from granite and manganese soils.
Tasting: Cellar door and tasting room at the estate near the signature windmill lieu-dit.
Signature wines: Chateau Du Moulin A Vent Grand Cru
Domaine de la Madone ★ 4.4
Six-generation Despres family estate in Fleurie producing terroir-expressive Gamay from the hillside above the village. Historic estate name drawn from the local Madonna chapel.
Tasting: Family estate open for visits; six-generation Despres family property.
Tastings near Domaine Jean-Claude Lapalu
Beaujolais Hiking Tour and Wine Tasting, Mâchon Included
Go on a hiking tour 45 minutes from Lyon to discover Beaujolais, its rolling hills, and its many terroirs. Discover the appellations through a tasting of 4 wines (minimum).
From Château des Thorins: Visit to Château du Moulin-à-Vent
Explore the history and daily life of Château du Moulin-à-Vent and learn about the Moulin-à-Vent AOC and winemaking. Taste four wines, including two single-vineyard cu...
Visit: Château du Moulin-à-Vent, where time is an ally
Conjugating history, terroir, and aging, this tour offers the most complete immersion, during which you will appreciate 7 wines, including a vertical tasting of 2011, ...
Wine tastings and winery visits in Beaujolais (6) · Wine tours and day trips in Beaujolais (30)