Dominique Morel, Chiroubles

Dominique Morel is a family-run winery based just north of Fleurie, with a history dating back to the early 1900s. Since 1967, the domaine has been run by Dominique Morel, whose winemaking philosophy is to make wines he likes to drink with plenty of fruit, good colour and a rounded mouthfeel. The domaine comprises 18 hectares (three of which are in Fleurie) planted with vines aged up to 70 years old on relatively low vigour granite soils. These poor soils put vines under just the right amount of stress, resulting in beautifully concentrated fruit.

Dominique’s Beaujolais Blanc is made from Chardonnay planted on granitic-clay soil, producing a wine with distinct freshness and excellent fruit concentration. The grapes are gently pressed and fermented in stainless-steel tanks to preserve delicate fruit aromas before lees-ageing for four to five months. This creates texture and roundness that balances its vibrant acidity. Dominique’s red wines are treated minimally in the cellar, undergoing a semi-carbonic maceration to extract colour, aroma and tannin before fermentation takes place over five to eight days. The wines remain in stainless steel and are naturally stabilised by the low temperatures, meaning they don’t require aggressive fining and filtration.

Dominique’s Beaujolais-Villages is defined by delicate perfumes of fresh red cherries and violets. The Fleurie, which is sourced from 45-year-old vines, is elegant and well-balanced with bright and lifted acidity. The Chiroubles, the highest elevation Cru in Beaujolais, is fragrant, defined by notes of abundant red cherry fruit, alongside an expressive, poised palate with a lifted finish.