DUTRAIVE

Domaine Dutraive, history and character of Fleurie

Dutraive is a historic winery in Beaujolais, particularly in the Fleurie area. The winery received organic certification in 2009, but in reality Jean-Louis Dutraive has always followed these principles for working his vineyards: harvesting is by hand and the grapes are then placed in tanks at a low temperature to begin carbonic maceration.

Fermentation is spontaneous with indigenous yeasts with maceration on the skins ranging from 15 to 30 days depending on the vintage and the type of wine. Ageing varies from 6 to 15 months, again depending on the type of wine, and can be carried out in oak barrels of different vintages or cement tanks. When necessary, a minimum amount of sulphur dioxide is added, although it tends to be avoided altogether, as do the clarifications and filtrations.

The wines of Jean-Louis Dutraive are characterised by personality and great aromaticity, with a typical floral and spicy profile and a marked minerality. They are well-balanced, fresh and lively, but at the same time have a great predisposition for ageing, even for 10-12 years.