The Producer
Château des Bachelards-Comtesse de Vazeilles was founded by Alexandra de Vazeilles in 2014. Located in the heart of Fleurie, this site was first recognized as an exceptional location to cultivate Gamay by Cluny monks in 1100 AD due to the site’s highly acidic granite soils. The monks called the site “Les Bachelards”, which translates to “The Place of God”. The estate was certified organic in 2007 by Ecocert prior to Alexandra purchasing it, but when she took over the estate she took things a step further and immediately began farming biodynamically, earning biodynamic certification by Demeter in 2015. The estate has 12 hectares (30 acres) under vine in Fleurie, Moulin-à-Vent, and Saint-Amour combined which are between 40-100 years old. Alexandra has a degree in viticulture and oenology, and trained at Château Latour and Domaine Roulot. Alexandra looks to farm in harmony with nature, and takes a very natural approach to all work performed in both the vineyards and cellar. In the vineyards, trees and bushes have been planted to regulate humidity, when conditions are too humid, they absorb moisture, and when conditions are too dry, they release moisture. No chemicals of any kind are used, nor is any irrigation, and all vineyard work including harvesting is performed by the hand with the help of just a small, lightweight, fuel-efficient tractor. In the cellars there are no chemicals either, no thermovinification, no carbonic maceration, and only indigenous yeasts are used. The resulting wines are structured, serious examples of Beaujolais, expressive of their terroir, produced sustainably, with the utmost respect for nature.
Technical Info
Location: Moulin-à-Vent, France Altitude: 280-300 meters above sea level Sun Exposure: Mainly East and Southeast Varietal Composition: 100% Gamay, from Massale selection only Vine Age: 40-100 years old Harvest: By hand Vinification: Burgundian. No Carbonic, semicarbonic, or thermovinification used. Indigenous yeasts only. Aging: 2 years in foudres Total Production: 50,000 bottles First Vintage Produced: 2014
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Plum colored
Aromas: Crushed blackberries, plums, raisins, prunes, blueberries, and some parsley. Fruity, but also woodsy and earthy at the same time.
Palate: Flavors of blackberries, cherries, plums, and pomegranate juice initially, with a hint of baking spices on the finish. Juicy and fruity, but also earthy, and quite structured, with super fine grained tannins. Persistent finish.
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