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Jean-Claude Lapalu
Brouilly · Beaujolais · France
Jean-Claude Lapalu is one of the most important figures in Beaujolais and a leader of the Natural Wine movement in France. In 1995, he took over the family business and, unlike his father, decided to bottle his own wine rather than sell the grapes. His 12 hectares of vineyards are located in Brouilly, the southernmost Cru of Beaujolais, and are certified organic. Biodynamic practices are also used in the vineyard.
“The grapes are harvested by hand, and vinification varies depending on the vintage and the style the winemaker wants to achieve (carbonic/semi-carbonic).”
The wines are aged either in concrete tanks or old barrels. He enjoys making two types of wine: those that you drink standing up and those that you drink sitting down!
