The Wine
From a selection of vines on coteaux du Mont Bessay, it exhibits the specific characteristics of a Burgundian winemaking. It has been aged 24 months in barrels before bottling to obtain the right mellowness and great ageing potential.

50+ year old vines
350 meters in altitue with vineyards situated in an amphitheater-like setting
High density planting: 10,000 vines/ha
Granite-based sites with ancient alluvial deposits, some sandy soils, with fair amount of clay
Sits on the bedrock of the region’s famously volcanic blue stone
Semi-carbonic vinification in large upright wooden barrels
Aged in tank after malolactic fermentation
Julienas wines are known for their earthy richness, spice and ability to age. The wines are deep purple, fleshy, velvety and freely giving with black berry fruits on the nose and palate.

The Estate
Domaine du Clos du Fief is run by our friend Michel Tête, with his son Sylvain working alongside. This is a rare 4th generation Cru estate in Juliénas and Julie, based at the far Northwest sector of Beaujolais. The history of these great villages dates back more than 2,000 years and trace their names to Julius Caesar. Vines were grown on the high altitude hillsides of Juliénas and Jullié (a granite rich Beaujolais-Villages Cru that mimics its more famous neighbor) in the Gallo-Roman period. Michel took over this history-rich land after studying in Beaune, where he learned many techniques that he now uses on his own wines to great acclaim. Michel harkens his wines back to the classics: low yields, meticulously farmed vineyards, and classic winemaking resulting in serious and mouthwatering examples of terroir driven reds.

Farming Practice:Sustainable