We first visited the Domaine Dupré-Goujon last spring, and were delighted to return this past Thursday. Winemakers Guillaume Goujon and Sebastien Dupré are redefining what’s possible from the Beaujolais. Their vines, located in the Côte de Brouilly, share the earth with an impressive array of herbs, flowers, grasses, and wildlife – all in the name of fostering biodiversity and soil health.
This week’s visit confirmed our impressions and the reactions of readers who took a flier last year: this is Beaujolais on another level. The aromatics were as pure and delicate as we’ve ever found from gamay. Each cuvée has its own identity, but all share a remarkable purity of fruit. William Kelley agreed with our enthusiasm, calling the wines “supple and charming” and labeling it “an estate to watch.”
We’re excited to offer the new vintage in July Futures this year, but invite you to try out their “Démarrante,” already in stock in Newton.
The Dupré Goujon team aren’t trying to make a mountain from a molehill – they don’t see $300 Grand Cru Beaujolais in their future. But they’ve correctly identified there’s way more complexity and interest to be squeezed from the underrated gamay varietal. With ambient yeasts, biodynamic principles, and an unusually long elevage, they’re crafting honest, surprising, and beautiful red wines.
La Démarrante 2021 (“the starter”) is just that – an excellent entrée to the lineup. Goujon described it as something you’d find in a “bar à vin,” a refreshing, juicy, Beaujolais embodying the region’s jubilant spirit. It’s fruit-forward and lovely with bright red plums in the nose alongside hints of chalk and spice. The mouth is smooth and easy with low tannin and a clean, refreshing finish.
Enjoy this as Spring arrives.
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Dupré-Goujon Côte de Brouilly
“Démarrante” 2021
bottle price: $25
FREE EAST COAST SHIPPING ON ANY 12 BOTTLES