Vin de France Gamay "Alma Mater" 2022
Vin de France Gamay "Alma Mater" Non millésimé
A Beaujolais Icon and Natural Wine Pioneer
Jean-Claude Lapalu is one of the most influential winemakers in Beaujolais, renowned for his pioneering approach to natural wines. Based in Saint-Étienne-la-Varenne, he represents the third generation of a winemaking family. After years of selling grapes to cooperatives, he began vinifying his own wines in 1996, embracing a philosophy centered on terroir expression and minimal intervention.
Exceptional Terroirs in Beaujolais-Villages and Brouilly
Jean-Claude Lapalu Estate spans approximately 12 hectares, primarily in Beaujolais-Villages and Brouilly, one of Beaujolais’ most expressive crus. The granite soils impart minerality and aromatic depth to the wines. Lapalu meticulously tends his vines, avoiding synthetic chemicals and fostering natural vineyard balance to ensure exceptional fruit quality.
A Natural and Minimalist Approach
Jean-Claude Lapalu is a strong advocate for living wines, crafted with little to no added sulfur. All grapes are hand-harvested, and fermentations occur naturally with native yeasts, without filtration or fining. Long and gentle macerations enhance Gamay’s finesse, resulting in wines that are pure, layered, and highly drinkable.
Vibrant and Expressive Wines
The wines of Jean-Claude Lapalu Estate stand out for their bright fruit, freshness, and silky texture. His Brouilly Vieilles Vignes is a benchmark, offering deep black fruit, spice, and a smooth, velvety mouthfeel. The Beaujolais-Villages is juicy and vibrant, perfect for easy enjoyment. His single-parcel cuvées, such as Alma Mater, aged in amphora, showcase a deeper, more mineral-driven expression of Gamay.
Jean-Claude Lapalu Estate, a Must-Know Name in Beaujolais
Through his commitment to natural, terroir-driven winemaking, Jean-Claude Lapalu has earned a place among Beaujolais’ most respected producers. His wines, sought after by enthusiasts and featured on top wine lists, demonstrate Gamay’s full potential when crafted with precision and care. Tasting a Jean-Claude Lapalu wine is an invitation to experience authentic, vibrant, and deeply expressive Beaujolais.
