In the heart of the Beaujolais region, where the rolling vineyards meet the legacy of generations, Domaine Lathuilière-Gravallon stands as a testament to the enduring artistry of winemaking. Founded by a lineage that stretches back five generations, this family-run domaine, led by Cathy and Cedric, is a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. With a profound respect for ancestral wisdom and a keen eye on the present, they have crafted wines that are a true reflection of their heritage and a promise for the future. This essay embarks on an odyssey through time and terroir, chronicling the compelling history of Domaine Lathuilière-Gravallon, exploring the lives of its founders, and savouring the nuances of their exceptional wines, with a particular focus on the Morgon Corcelette.
The Vineyard’s Genesis: A Journey through Generations
To understand the essence of Domaine Lathuilière-Gravallon, we must start at its roots, tracing the lineage of the winemaking family that nurtured it. From humble beginnings to the present day, the vineyard’s evolution reflects not just the growth of a business but the passage of time and the enduring passion for winemaking.
The Visionaries Behind the Label: Cathy & Cedric
At the helm of Domaine Lathuilière-Gravallon, today are Cathy and Cedric, a dynamic duo committed to preserving their family’s heritage while pushing the boundaries of innovation. This section delves into their lives, their inspiration, and their philosophy, shedding light on the personalities behind the domain.
Balancing Tradition and Modernity: The Winemaking Philosophy
The heart of any winery is its approach to winemaking. Cathy and Cedric have inherited a treasure trove of traditional techniques and wisdom from their ancestors. Still, they have also embraced contemporary practices to bring out the best in their grapes. Here, we will explore their unique winemaking philosophy, the principles of lutte raisonnée, and the methods they employ to create wines that are both timeless and relevant.
Morgon Corcelette: The Crown Jewel
In the vast repertoire of Domaine Lathuilière-Gravallon’s wines, Morgon Corcelette holds a special place. This section will offer an in-depth analysis of this distinguished wine. From its generous aromatic nose to the juicy blackberry fruit that dances on the palate, and the fine, talc-like tannins that linger, we will dissect every facet of Morgon Corcelette’s character, exploring how it embodies the region’s essence.
Beaujolais and Its Crus: A Terroir Tapestery
No discussion of Domaine Lathuilière-Gravallon would be complete without a deep dive into the terroir that nurtures its vines. Beaujolais is a land of unique geological diversity, and Brouilly, the southernmost crus, is no exception. From the pink granite and calcareous bluestone to marl and clay, we will explore the patchwork of soils that give birth to these remarkable wines.
The Brouilly Appellation: A Region’s Treasure
Brouilly, nestled at the foot of Mont Brouilly, is not just a place; it’s a testament to the allure of Beaujolais. This section will introduce readers to the Brouilly appellation, its distinct geographical features, and its role as a UNESCO Global Geopark. We will also consider its significance as a tourist destination along the Beaujolais wine route.
The Ongoing Legacy
As we conclude our exploration of Domaine Lathuilière-Gravallon, we will reflect on the enduring legacy of Cathy, Cedric, and their ancestors. Their commitment to honoring traditions while embracing innovation has not only shaped the wines they produce but has also contributed to the rich tapestry of Beaujolais’ winemaking heritage. We will raise our glasses to this remarkable domaine and the wines that continue to captivate palates around the world.
The Appelation(s)
Brouilly, the southernmost and most extensive of the Beaujolais Crus, stretches out at the foot of Mont Brouilly and its chapel (Notre-Dame aux Raisins). The fruit-driven (plum, small red fruit) wines, sometimes with mineral notes, express the Gamay bouquet perfectly. Brouilly wines can be enjoyed in their youth. Labelled as a geo-site within the framework of the “UNESCO Global Geopark” network, a panoramic viewpoint has been set up at the top of Mont Brouilly as a showcase of the region’s diverse geology.
Pink Granite (46%), Blue Stoe (4%), Limestone, Marl, Clay, and Shale
At the crossroads of four distinct terroirs, the Brouilly wines draw their bouquet from especially rich soil, made up of pink granite, calcareous bluestone, and marl.
Covering a surface area of 1250 hectares, the vineyard of this exceptional wine produces over 8 million bottles a year, which are exported worldwide.
The Brouilly appellation, overlooked by Mont Brouilly, attracts thousands of visitors who come to discover the Beaujolais wine route. In the heart of the communes of Quincié-en-Beaujolais, Odenas, Cercié, Saint-Lager, Charentay and Saint-Étienne-la-Varenne, tourists can also admire the sloping vineyards.
