Story
Grand'Cour (Brouilly)
Fleurie · Beaujolais · France
Domaine de la Grand’Cour, the Dutraive family’s home estate in Fleurie, also farms a distinct Brouilly parcel that stands apart from the Fleurie clos. The Brouilly Vieilles Vignes comes from about 1.7 hectares at the lieu-dit Vuril in Charentay, on the eastern side of the appellation. Vines average over sixty years, face south at roughly 230 metres, and root in deeper clay-limestone rather than the pink granite of Fleurie. Jean-Louis Dutraive vinifies the Gamay in concrete, then ages roughly half in barrel and half in stainless steel for about seven months, keeping sulphur low and extraction gentle.
“Where the Fleurie cuvées lean floral and aerial, this Brouilly carries more flesh and a darker fruit line, still transparent and built for the table.”
It is the domaine’s southern, clay-driven voice — same family hand, different geology — and a reminder that Grand’Cour’s map extends beyond the Fleurie plateau.
