Domaine Labruyere is one of the oldest wineries in the Moulin-a-Vent appellation.
Domaine Labruyere estate
In 1850, Jean-Marie Labruyere, wine grower, settled in les Thorins, a hamlet of Romanèche-Thorins. He acquired 25 acres of well-located vineyards. Since then, several generations of Labruyere have been running the estate and have acquired the famous “Clos du Moulin-a-Vent,” unique Monopole of the appellation. Located right by the iconic windmill, this is one of the most precious jewels of Domaine Labruyere.
In 2008, Edouard Labruyere took over the responsibility of the Estate convinced that all plots are located on the best terroirs of the region. It is today considered as one of the spearheads of Beaujolais region.
Jean-Marie & Edouard Labruyere
A Family winery for seven generations, Domaine Labruyere is, above all, a great human adventure. From Jean-Marie in 1850 to Edouard today, the Labruyere have been running these unique vineyards with the same passion, devotion and desire to pass on a great terroir to the next generations.
Les Thorins is the cradle of this entrepreneurial family, which values land and hard work. Jean-Pierre Labruyere, who was President of Moulin-a-Vent Cru for a long time, left the direction of the estate to his son Edouard in 2008, with the vision that it would become a benchmark in Beaujolais region. Step by step, Edouard Labruyere, together with Nadine Gublin (winemaker) and Michel Rovere (vineyard manager), are building an iconic winery.
I was introduced to two of their wines:
Cœur de Terroirs 2014
This cuvée is a selection of great terroirs of Domaine Labruyère, predominantly originated from granite soils rich in quartz. Made with 100% Gamay, the average age of the vines is 50 years. The fermentation takes place in concrete or stainless steel tanks, in order to isolate each parcel and to express the unique characteristics of our terroirs. The entire system is thermo-regulated. Half is aged in concrete tanks, and the other half in used oak barrels and 600 liter barrels, called “demi-muid,” for 12 months. Slight filtration and no fining. This wine has a deep ruby color with purple reflections.
The Nose: Precision, black berry notes with a touch of licorice.
The Palate: Fruity, sweet violet candy spices. Savoury finish with fresh and soft tannins.
You can keep it between 8 to 10 years.
Le Clos 2014
Based on a dry, hard, granitic soil, this unique terroir produces outstanding Gamay offering structured, mineral, long-lasting wines as iconic as the greatest French wines. The vineyard is perfectly located down the windmill, symbol of the Cru. 100% Gamay, the average age of the vines is 70 years. The fermentation takes place in a single concrete vat, in order to isolate the parcel and to express the unique characteristics of its terroir. The entire system is thermo-regulated. Wine is aged in oak barrels (10% new oak) for 12 months. Slight filtration and no fining. This wine also has a beautiful dark ruby red color with purple reflections.
Nose: Fine and elegant, it has layers of blackberry, plum and black fresh cherry.
Palate: Powerful and round on the palate with spicy notes of pepper and licorice, heavy tannins.
You can keep it for 15 years.
