Domaine de la Grand Cour
Domaine de la Grand Coeur is a relatively recent arrival and quickly became a cornerstone of our Beaujolais selctions on both coasts. The Dutraive family, who own and operate the estate, have been making some... Read More
Domaine de la Grand Coeur is a relatively recent arrival and quickly became a cornerstone of our Beaujolais selctions on both coasts. The Dutraive family, who own and operate the estate, have been making some of Beaujolais’ best wines for decades, but have only recently started to recieve the acclaim that we feel they deserved. The ascendance of Beaujolais in general has helped bring them the attention they are due, and now they are limited and in high demand.
Jean-Louis took over for his father in the late '80s, 20 years after Jean Dutraive established the domaine. Because the family's home in Fleurie actually is at the heart of the estate, he grew up among the vines, establishing a deep connection to the earth as well as great respect for it. It's no surprise, then, to find out how passionate Jean-Louis is about organic viticulture; in fact, he's something of a proselytizer in the region, and advises many a young vigneron on how to make the switch.
Although the family was never part of the illustrious Gang of Four, Kermit Lynch's trailblazing group of natural winemakers working in Beaujolais in the early '80s, the Dutraives embody all of the same principles: "low intervention", high surveillance" is the name of the game, and just a bit of sulfur is added at bottling, to keep the wine stable on its journey to us.
Dutraive produces two labels. The estate wines are under Domaine de La Grand Couer but they also buy fruit from neighbors with exemplary plots farmed under the same organic principals. Simply labeld as Famile Dutraive, these, like the estate wines are some of the purest expressions of Beaujolais gamay that we know — they are joyful and vibrant, with distinctly Dutraive-ian aromatics of baking spice and crushed violets. It's our first stop for age-worthy Beaujolais, too, thanks to the generous, lush texture, offset by lively acidity and abundant freshness...but we couldn't blame you for opening up a bottle as soon as it's in your hands.