THE DOMAINE
Frédéric Lafarge and his wife Chantal established Domaine Lafarge Vial in the spring of 2014.
Frédéric Lafarge and his wife Chantal established Domaine Lafarge Vial in the spring of 2014. They managed to secure several parcels of vines within Fleurie and one small adjoining plot of Chiroubles, with buildings within the lieu-dit Bel-Air, in the commune of Fleurie.
The vineyards are trained in the traditional gobelet method and planted on degraded granite. The Lafarges have practised biodynamics from the outset, mirroring the approach at their Domaine Lafarge in Volnay. Domaine Lafarge Vial is certified organic and is in the process of Demeter biodynamic certification.
We tasted the wines in October 2021; they were due to be bottled at the end of November, in accordance with the biodynamic calendar. We have focused this year’s offering on our two favourites – two Fleurie lieux-dits which for us represent the aromatic finesse and granite mineral bite which the best Fleuries do so well.
THE WINES
THE 2020 VINTAGE AT DOMAINE LAFARGE VIAL
We tasted the wines in October 2021; they were due to be bottled at the end of November, in accordance with the biodynamic calendar.
FLEURIE LA JOIE DU PALAIS
This plot of 60 year-old vines is trained in the gobelet method, as is historical in the region, and which Frédéric Lafarge believes to be best-suited here. This is a steep 1.2 hectare parcel, with a perilous 50% slope, which is worked by horse. Apparently, the name alludes to the historical charm and elegance of the site. Spicier and more peppery, with the 30% whole-bunch fermentation poised nicely, this has firmer tannins than the previous cuvée, with greater ageing ability.
Corney & Barrow Score 17.5
Recommended drinking from 2022–2026
FLEURIE CLOS VERNAY
This is a south-east facing parcel of 1.33 hectares sited higher up, on the first slope in Fleurie, approaching from Moulin-à-Vent. It is quite steep (20% gradient), surrounded by meadow and woodland. The nearly-50-year-old vines are planted on granite and quartz soils, perhaps contributing to the mineral tension which pervades this wine. Of all the Fleuries, it is Clos Vernay that will best repay cellaring.
Corney & Barrow Score 16.5-17
Recommended drinking from 2023–2027+