Lafarge Vial, Domaine
Summary
Domaine Lafarge Vial is a boutique Beaujolais producer established in 2014 by Burgundy's Lafarge family, cultivating 4 hectares of Gamay across granite-rich sites in Fleurie and Chiroubles, including parcels with 50+ year-old vines. Their rapid quality ascent stems from applying generations of Burgundian expertise to biodynamic viticulture (Demeter certified), combining traditional Beaujolais methods with precise winemaking that emphasizes minimal intervention and extended aging in neutral French oak.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine Lafarge Vial was established in 2014 when Frédéric and Chantal Lafarge, of the respected Volnay-based Domaine Michel Lafarge, acquired vineyards in Beaujolais. This marked the family's first viticultural venture outside their ancestral Burgundian holdings. The domaine represents a natural extension of the Lafarge family's winemaking tradition, bringing their considerable expertise to the granite-based terroirs of Beaujolais.
Frédéric Lafarge, who had been working alongside his father Michel at their Volnay estate since 1978, leads the project with his wife Chantal. Their daughter Clotilde has also become involved in the family business, representing the next generation. The acquisition came about through connections with local vignerons and the family's desire to work with the Gamay grape in terroirs they felt had significant potential for quality wine production.
The domaine began with parcels in Fleurie and later added holdings in Chiroubles, establishing a focused presence in two of Beaujolais' cru appellations. While relatively new by French wine estate standards, Domaine Lafarge Vial benefits from the family's centuries of winemaking experience in Burgundy, dating back to the early 19th century at their original Volnay estate.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine Lafarge Vial's holdings comprise approximately 4 hectares spread across the Fleurie and Chiroubles appellations. In Fleurie, they work with parcels in several distinct sectors including Clos Vernay, La Joie du Palais, and Les Bouchacards. Their Chiroubles vineyards are situated at higher elevations, typically between 300-450 meters above sea level.
The soils in their Fleurie parcels consist primarily of pink granite with varying degrees of decomposition, while the Chiroubles vineyards feature more coarse-grained granite with sandy decomposition. These granite-based soils provide excellent drainage and impart mineral characteristics to the wines. The vineyards are planted exclusively to Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc, the traditional variety of Beaujolais.
The domaine produces a range of wines including a Fleurie and Chiroubles. They also make a Beaujolais-Villages from younger vines. Many of their parcels feature older vines, with some exceeding 50 years of age, contributing to the concentration and complexity in their wines. The vineyards are predominantly east and southeast facing, allowing for optimal sun exposure while maintaining freshness in the grapes.
Philosophy & Practice
Domaine Lafarge Vial applies the same rigorous standards to their Beaujolais vineyards as they do at their Burgundy estate. The vineyards are certified biodynamic by Demeter, continuing the practices the family has employed in Volnay since 1999. This includes the use of herbal preparations, attention to lunar cycles, and the complete avoidance of synthetic chemicals.
In the vineyard, yields are controlled through careful pruning and green harvesting when necessary. All grapes are harvested by hand, with rigorous sorting both in the vineyard and at the winery. The winemaking approach blends traditional Beaujolais methods with Burgundian techniques. Fermentations typically include a percentage of whole clusters, varying by vintage and parcel.
The domaine uses native yeasts for fermentation in concrete or wooden vats. Maceration periods are determined by vintage conditions and the specific character of each parcel. Aging takes place primarily in older French oak barrels, with new oak used sparingly if at all. The wines generally spend 12-18 months in barrel before bottling with minimal filtration.
The Lafarges' approach emphasizes transparency to terroir, with winemaking interventions kept to a minimum. Their goal is to express the distinctive characteristics of each vineyard site while maintaining the freshness and fruit purity that distinguishes the Gamay grape. This combination of traditional Beaujolais methods with Burgundian precision has established Domaine Lafarge Vial as a thoughtful producer committed to quality and authenticity.