Domaine De La Bêche Beaujolais Blanc Alexis 2024

Variety: Chardonnay
Country Region: France, Burgundy, Beaujolais
Appellation: Beaujolais Blanc

From a small 1.4 ha holding of 40 yo vines planted in clay limestone soil in Villié-Morgon. Hand harvested and raised 100% in stainless steel tank to retain freshness and precision, this cuvee sees full malo and shows excellent texture and intensity. As the market looks for well-priced, fresher, lower alcohol whites this fits the bill – very enjoyable and a bit of a surprise package!

The nose offers floral and mineral aromas, while the palate is round and expressive, punctuated by a beautiful freshness that makes for a magnificently balanced wine. 100 % Chardonnay. Great minerality and freshness with waves of citrus fruit attacking the palate.

Beaujolais Blanc makes up just 4 % of the region’s wines, but is worth some attention. In 2013 there were 248 hectares of Chardonnay destined for Beaujolais Blanc. This has since grown to 574 hectares. There are also around 1500 hectares of Chardonnay planted that are used for Crémant. There are two appellations: Beaujolais Blanc and Beaujolais Blanc Villages. The former is more likely to come from clay/limestone soils, the latter from the granite that dominates the northern part of the region. But even within the crus, which aren’t as uniform in terroir as they are sometimes portrayed, there are small plots of limestone soil that lend themselves better to Chardonnay than Gamay.

Created in 1848, this small family estate now passed through 7 generations has been run by Olivier Depardon since 1985 when he took over the reigns with just 4 hectares. Now with a total of 26 hectares farmed his son Alexis manages the vineyards and winemaking and daughter Caroline manages the commercial affairs.

This a source of accomplished, stylish and very attractively priced wines from some of the best villages and locations in Beaujolais.