Domaine Lafarge-Vial
Fred Lafarge and Chantal (Vial) Lafarge have pieced together a small 4-hectare domaine in the Beaujolais, with vineyards in Fleurie and Chiroubles. They have found vielles vignes (ranging from 30 to 70 years old) in 5 terroirs, most of which were already organic. In the Lafarge style, they immediately began their conversion to biodynamic viticulture. In one of the crus, Joie du Palais, the slope is 52%, and a few of the rows must be worked by horse. A modest house and cuverie are located in one of the vineyards, which will be the center of operations. In terms of vinification, the plan is classic Lafarge: de-stemming, hydraulic vertical pressing, concrete tanks, indigenous yeasts, older barrels, with foudres to come.
The first vintage, 2014, will have three wines: Chiroubles, Fleurie Bel Air, and Fleurie Clos Vernay. Two more cuvées will join them in 2015, including Joie du Palais.