From: Beaujeu, Beaujolais, France
Varietal: Chardonnay
Taste: Pale gold in the glass with subtle green reflections, the wine opens with aromas of lemon peel, fresh pear, and white peach, followed by notes of acacia flower, wet stone, and a faint herbal edge. On the palate, it is taut and linear, with focused acidity and a stony texture. Flavors of green apple, quince, and citrus pith unfold over a saline backbone, with lees aging contributing a subtle creaminess that never distracts from the wine’s clarity. The finish is dry, crisp, and chalk-tinged, marked by lingering citrus oil and a touch of anise.
Pairing: This unoaked Chardonnay’s bright acidity and mineral drive make it a strong partner for dishes that emphasize texture, subtlety, and freshness. Begin with seafood—think oysters with cucumber mignonette, poached halibut with citrus beurre blanc, or scallop crudo with yuzu kosho.
About: Domaine Jean-Michel Dupré is located in the village of Beaujeu, widely regarded as the historic capital of the Beaujolais region in eastern France. This small commune is situated at the foothills of the Beaujolais Mountains, northwest of Lyon, and remains one of the central zones for traditional Gamay cultivation. The domaine is the work of Jean-Michel Dupré, a former cattle farmer who transitioned into viticulture in the early 1980s. Though he didn’t come from a winemaking background, his choice to convert the family’s farmland into vineyards was a purposeful shift, driven by the influence of the local wine culture.
