Famille Dutraive Saint-Amour Clos du Chapitre 2020

Famille Dutraive Saint-Amour Clos du Chapitre 2020

Famille Dutraive
$44.00

Grape: Gamay
Vintage: 2020
Type: Red

This red wine comes from the Clos du Chapitre vineyard, an organically farmed plot within the Saint-Amour appellation. The Dutraive family guides the hand-picked fruit through a traditional low-intervention cellar protocol, avoiding synthetic additives or modern commercial yeast selections. The Gamay grapes are co-fermented whole-cluster using native vineyard wild yeasts in neutral wooden casks, prioritizing gentle infusions over forced power. It settles naturally without heavy physical manipulation to protect pure varietal focus and regional freshness.

It exhibits a clear ruby hue, releasing an inviting bouquet of ripe raspberries, dark cherry skin, and field flowers. A medium-bodied frame pairs refined fruit flavors with a soft, chalky mineral undercurrent. Savory layers of damp earth and a touch of white pepper develop nicely as the fluid mouthfeel expands. An energetic thread of natural acidity runs through the center, keeping the texture fresh. It finishes long and dry, leaving a persistent trace of stone.

Famille Dutraive is a négociant project founded by acclaimed Beaujolais winemaker Jean-Louis Dutraive and his three children, Ophélie, Justin, and Lucas, following a destructive hailstorm in 2016. Located in Fleurie, Beaujolais, the family is renowned for their energetic, fresh, and soulful Gamay wines. To recover after the disastrous 2016 vintage, Jean-Louis established the négociant label to purchase organically-farmed grapes from trusted friends in various Beaujolais crus, including Chiroubles, Saint-Amour, and Chénas. This commitment mirrors the family's practices at their historic estate, Domaine de la Grand'Cour, which is certified organic. Despite being made from purchased fruit, the wines are produced with the same care and philosophy as their estate bottlings, resulting in pure and vibrant expressions of Beaujolais terroir. The project serves as a crucial way to integrate the next generation into the family business, ensuring the continuation of their natural winemaking legacy.