Cave De La Madone & Domaine du Niagara
Beaujolais, Fleurie
http://www.domaine-de-la-madone.com
Wine Makers: Jean-Marc & Arnaud Despres

“One of the most admired producers of Fleurie.” Jancis Robinson, MW

Fleurie La Madone label. (pic. Euan McKay)

In what seemed like the never-ending search for a serious Cru Beaujolais 18 years ago, this wine was head and shoulders above anything else. What’s more, vintage-in, vintage-out it remains one of the most consistent Cru Beaujolais’ produced.

Traditional production techniques drawing on their 60 to 80 year old vines give this wine a dimension, character and interest that is not usually associated with Beaujolais. These reds are perfect during the warmer weather; give them 15 minutes in the fridge or serve in a wine cooler to experience the most vibrant and refreshing red on the planet. And yes they do age well, in fact very well in good vintages.

“The wines are striking; direct and precise, they cut to the core of the terroir.” Nick Stock, AGT WINE

“Strikingly beautiful appearance, with a vibrant mid-deep cherry-plum colour. The nose is mouthwatering and redolent of primary cool blueberry and dark fruit aromas with great vif and volume. The palate in no way disappoints with plush dark fruit flavours on entry leading to a generously plush mid-palate of mid sized proportions. The finish is beautifully crisp, long and with lovely afterflavours and aromas. This is a classic cru Beaujolais worth seeking out. Gold Medal/93 points” Frank Wilden, the frank report”

Jean-Marc Despres’ 9-ha domaine is a reliable source for this deliciously soft and quenching wine. The Vieilles Vignes is especially good.” Andrew Jefford

Fleurie ‘La Madone’ Cuvee Vieilles Vignes & Tradition
From Beaujolais’ purest granite terroir utilising traditional production techniques drawing on their 60 to 80 year old goblet trained vines combine to give this wine a dimension, character and interest not usually associated with Beaujolais. Elegantly spicy and cherry-infused, its velvety texture is just like summer pudding in a glass.

Domaine de Niagara Fleurie by Arnaud Despres
The attractive bright red color and complex nose with its baked earth and ripe cherry infused perfumed rose-petal notes coupled with the fleshy and flavorsome palate plays line and length beautifully. It makes for a pretty yet serious cru-Beaujolais which links it very closely indeed with Burgundy.

Jean-Marc Despres & son Arnaud (pic. Euan McKay)