David Beaupère

In 2008 Louis Clément David Beaupère took over the family domaine his grandfather had purchased after the Algerian War of Independence (1954-1962). Prior to the wars end, the family resided in Algeria, where they grew cereals and vines. Clément (the one out of his three first names he prefers to be called) did not start out in wine-making. He first studied engineering and commerce before realizing continuing his family legacy was his true calling in life. Since taking over responsibilities at the estate, Clément has been making the wines and, along with his mother, working in the vineyard farming their 4.12 hectares of vines.

Since 2011, Clément has begun the process of converting the domaine towards organic farming, the goal being to reduce the planting density of the vines significantly as to be able to trellis the vines and move away from the goblet vine training style of Gamay so ubiquitous in the region. Clément contends that gobelet vine training leads to overlapping positions on the vine and therefore uneven ripening of the fruit. As it stands, his yields average around 40-45 hl/ha, which he hopes to maintain while reducing the amount of vines per hectare. As a child of Juliénas, Clément not only looks to maintain his family legacy but also to improve upon it. In addition to La Bottière, which lies directly behind his home in Juliénas, he is seeking out a few more renowned sites which he ultimately hopes will give him more colors to paint with and accentuate the differences in this great historical cru of Beaujolais.

David Beaupère La Croix de la Bottière Juliénas

Coming from younger vines (45 years average age), this cuvée undergoes primary (partial carbonic) and malo in tank, with a shorter maceration and aging. Despite being the more approachable of his two cuvée’s in its youth, it is still a wine with considerable weight and length.

David Beaupère La Bottière Juliénas

Coming from a choice parcel planted on granite with a thin top soil of gravel and sandy loam, the vine’s average age is about 65 years. It is best enjoyed with at least several years of bottle age.

David Beaupère La Vayolette Juliénas

La Vayolette is a rich, brooding and intense gamay from an uncharacteristically warm vintage in Beaujolais.  The La Vayolette parcel is characterized by the blue tinged volcanic rock often found in Julienas.  Best with several years of aging in the bottle, or served with roasted meat dishes.