Domaine J. Chamonard : La Madone 2021

Tasting notes and serving suggestions for La Madone 2021 from Domaine J. Chamonard

Tasting

Color

With a pale ruby hue and violet highlights, this wine displays a striking clarity characteristic of the classic Fleurie style.

Nose

The nose unfolds with delicate, gradual aromatics. Initial floral notes of rose petals and white flowers give way to red-fruit aromas: dried strawberry, redcurrant and light cherry. With aeration, a crystalline minerality reminiscent of crushed granite emerges, accompanied by a touch of fine black pepper and a subtle hint of cocoa.

Palate

On the palate, the wine offers a delicate yet finely balanced structure. Bright acidity brings mineral freshness without any sharpness. The palate reveals concentrated red fruit: cherry flesh, the finesse of dried strawberry and a subtle touch of blueberry. The tannins are fine, velvety and perfectly integrated. The finish—delicate and remarkably persistent—lingers with a light mineral salinity, a trace of white pepper and a very faint sensation of sweetness.

Food and wine pairings

This Fleurie is an ideal match for simply prepared poultry such as roast chicken or duck with cherries. It also pairs beautifully with white meats, whether light pork or veal. Bloomy-rind cheeses, aged goat cheeses and soft cheeses of moderate intensity find a harmonious partner in this wine. Dishes featuring wild mushrooms or porcini also make excellent pairings.

Serving and cellaring

La Madone 2021 is best served between 14 and 15°C. This wine can be enjoyed now for its fresh fruit character, but it also has impressive aging potential through 2031, during which it will develop more complex, nuanced flavors.

A high-altitude Fleurie red wine expressing the mineral finesse of Beaujolais

The estate

The Domaine J Chamonard traces its origins to 1989, when Jean-Claude Chanudet took over his father-in-law’s wine estate. A pioneer, this grower’s son crafts “natural” wines from old vines. The result of long, precise vinification, the wines of Domaine J Chamonard captivate with their finesse, aromatic expression and significant aging potential.  Today, the estate spans 5.5 hectares across the Morgon and Fleurie appellations in Beaujolais. The domaine practices organic farming in fact, without official certification, favoring spontaneous fermentations and minimal intervention. Jean-Claude Chanudet, nicknamed “Le Chat,” is recognized as one of the most faithful heirs to the philosophy of Jules Chauvet, a leading figure in the natural wine movement.

The vineyard

Fleurie La Madone comes from a 0.5-hectare plot located at 400 meters above sea level, at the highest point of the Fleurie appellation, at the foot of the Chapelle de la Madone. The vines, 60 to 90 years old, come from massal selection and are rooted entirely in decomposed pink granite soil. The due-south exposure and the steep slope create an exceptionally well-drained, mineral-rich environment. The complete absence of chemical treatments and the manual working of the soil allow the roots to penetrate deep into the granite, giving the wine its signature minerality.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage in Beaujolais brought specific climatic challenges, with conditions described as warm for certain harvests. Despite this demanding growing season, the estate successfully navigated these difficulties to produce a balanced wine that faithfully reflects La Madone’s terroir.

Vinification and aging

Vinification of La Madone 2021 follows the estate’s traditional protocol: whole-cluster carbonic maceration with indigenous yeasts, complete spontaneous fermentation, then pressing in an old vertical press rinsed with eau-de-vie. Aging takes place in old oak for 10 to 12 months, allowing the wine to evolve gradually and refine the integration of its tannins. No filtration or mechanical fining is carried out, thereby preserving the full range of aromatic components.

Grape variety

100% Gamay