Dufaitre

Rémi makes wines in a classic carbonic style, using whole bunches, which are carefully sorted to avoid broken grapes or rot. He adds some carbon dioxide gas to protect the grapes at the beginning of fermentation and does not use any temperature control. He avoids foot stomping the grapes unless he sees some volatility starting to creep in. His goal is to have as little juice in the tank as possible. He also performs routine analysis to see how the yeast is performing and whether or not there is any volatility. Remi makes all his wines with the same method, thus we can really see and taste the differences between the sites, with minor differences in the elevage of each cuvée. He tastes each cuvée before bottling and may decide to add between zero and 2 mg of sulfur, depending on how stable he judges the wine to be. - Jenny and Francois

About the Winemaker

Dufaitre

Rémi Dufaitre and his wife Laurence began acquiring vines in and around the Brouilly and Côte de Brouilly crus in 2006. They immediately transitioned to organic farming methods and started harvesting the grapes. Initially, Rémi sold his grapes to the local co-op while monitoring the indigenous yeast population until it was healthy enough to make his own wine. In 2010, he produced and bottled his first vintage. When Jean Foillard tasted Rémi’s wine, he recognized the talent behind it and took Rémi under his wing, introducing him to his extensive list of Parisian clients. Rémi is now highly regarded in the bustling Paris natural wine scene.

dufaitre-winemaker

The Region

Beaujolais, France

Beaujolais, renowned for its distinctive natural wine profile, embodies the essence of the region's terroir with its vibrant and expressive character. Crafted primarily from the Gamay grape, Beaujolais natural wines are celebrated for their purity, freshness, and lively acidity. These wines often exhibit charming aromas of red berries, particularly strawberries and cherries, accompanied by floral notes and subtle earthy undertones. On the palate, Beaujolais natural wines delight with their juicy fruitiness, offering flavors of ripe raspberries and cranberries, supported by soft tannins and a refreshing minerality. With minimal intervention in the winemaking process, these wines showcase the true essence of the grape and the unique terroir of the Beaujolais region, making them a delightful choice for wine enthusiasts seeking authentic and approachable expressions of natural winemaking.