Vineyard
Mâconnais and Beaujolais
Location
La Chapelle de Guinchay
Surface area
35 hectares
Average age of the vine
35 years
Type of soil
Clay and limestone for the whites and granite for the reds
Grape varieties
Chardonnay and Gamay
Climate
The continental climate that typifies the entire region is especially conducive to good ripening of the grapes.
Unique characteristics
This Estate produces expressive white wines of considerable elegance, in addition to three Beaujolais crus: Fleurie, Morgon and Moulin-à-Vent. Each of these crus reveals a different aspect of the Gamay grape, depending on the terroir in which it grows. It is our wish to produce easy-to-drink wines, with a balanced, fruity profile.
The emblem of the estate is an old dovecote that stands on a hillside at the heart of the vineyard, which you will get the opportunity to see as you wander through our vines. Not to mention the majestic giant cedar, which is more than 100 years old, that stands proudly before our Estate.
History
The Domaine du Chapitre is situated in the locality name "Clos du Chapitre" in La Chapelle de Guinchay. The origin of the name dates back to the Middle Ages: the Domaine du Chapitre then belonged to the monks at Cluny Abbey.
The monks, gathered together in religious "Chapters", were major landowners on the Côte Chalonnaise and in the region of Mâcon. On their lands, the monks first produced the wine needed to celebrate mass. Very gradually, with hard work and toil, they helped to improve viticulture, quality and yields. The communities were then able to sell some of their wine.
In the 15th century, the quality of their wines was recognised throughout Europe. They thus developed unique expertise in wine making , handed down and improved from one generation to the next. Their stringent methods involve every aspect of viticulture (pruning the vine, comparison and selection of grape varieties, preservation of the wine, etc.). The Domaine du Chapitre, building on this valuable heritage, now produces wines of rare distinction, the fruits of the work of many generations.
A Word from the Vineyard Manager
"I get a great deal of pleasure from working in the vineyard which offers some beautiful views, as the seasons slip by, over the Saône Valley and even as far afield as the Alps. On the whole, there is a good mix between vineyard, woods and meadows that helps to promote biodiversity"
Jean-Pierre Mortet
