Smith-Chapel 'Vayolette' Julienas, Beaujolais, France 2022
Pickup available at DECANT Napa - 2999 Solano, Napa, CA
Usually ready in 1 hour
Smith-Chapel is a négociant label created by David and Michele of Domaine Chapel, focusing on wines from organically farmed vineyards in Beaujolais and the Mâconnais region. In contrast, Domaine Chapel refers to wines produced from vineyards they own and farm themselves. They collaborate closely with growers who share their commitment to sustainable practices and minimal intervention winemaking.
- WINEMAKER: David & Michele Chapel
- FARMING: Organic
- VARIETY: Gamay
- TERROIR: The Vayolette parcel is a steep, west-facing slope in Juliénas, a cru known for its distinct soil composition. Unlike most of Beaujolais, which is predominantly granite, Juliénas features Les Pierres Bleues—blue stones mixed with diorites, micro-diorites, and schist formations. Only 3% of the soils contain granite, which appears in small veins throughout the AOC. The vineyard is farmed entirely by hand.
- VINIFICATION: Semi-carbonic maceration for approximately 21 days. No SO₂ added.
- AGING: Aged for about nine months in fiber tanks.
- TASTING NOTES: Vibrant red and dark fruit, floral notes, and a distinct mineral edge from the unique soil composition. Supple tannins and bright acidity lead to a long, expressive finish.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Grilled duck breast, coq au vin, aged cheeses, or wild mushroom dishes.
Smith-Chapel is a négociant label created by David and Michele of Domaine Chapel, focusing on wines from organically farmed vineyards in Beaujolais and the Mâconnais region. In contrast, Domaine Chapel refers to wines produced from vineyards they own and farm themselves. They collaborate closely with growers who share their commitment to sustainable practices and minimal intervention winemaking.
- WINEMAKER: David & Michele Chapel
- FARMING: Organic
- VARIETY: Gamay
- TERROIR: The Vayolette parcel is a steep, west-facing slope in Juliénas, a cru known for its distinct soil composition. Unlike most of Beaujolais, which is predominantly granite, Juliénas features Les Pierres Bleues—blue stones mixed with diorites, micro-diorites, and schist formations. Only 3% of the soils contain granite, which appears in small veins throughout the AOC. The vineyard is farmed entirely by hand.
- VINIFICATION: Semi-carbonic maceration for approximately 21 days. No SO₂ added.
- AGING: Aged for about nine months in fiber tanks.
- TASTING NOTES: Vibrant red and dark fruit, floral notes, and a distinct mineral edge from the unique soil composition. Supple tannins and bright acidity lead to a long, expressive finish.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Grilled duck breast, coq au vin, aged cheeses, or wild mushroom dishes.