Domaine Lapierre
Domaine Lapierre, located in the village of Villié-Morgon in Beaujolais, is an iconic estate that has redefined the potential of Beaujolais wines. Founded in the early 20th century, the estate became a global symbol of natural winemaking under Marcel Lapierre, who revolutionized the region’s approach to viticulture and vinification. Today, the domaine is managed by Marcel’s children, Mathieu and Camille Lapierre, who continue to honor his legacy while pushing boundaries to craft wines that are vibrant, authentic, and deeply rooted in the terroir.
The estate’s vineyards, spanning approximately 13 hectares, are planted primarily with Gamay Noir, Beaujolais’ flagship grape variety. The vines, many of which are over 60 years old, thrive in the granitic soils of Morgon, one of Beaujolais’ most prestigious crus. These soils, combined with the region’s favorable climate, yield grapes of exceptional character and complexity.
Domaine Lapierre is celebrated for its commitment to organic and sustainable farming, embracing practices that protect biodiversity and enhance soil health. In the cellar, the Lapierres follow a low-intervention philosophy, utilizing indigenous yeasts, avoiding chemical additives, and minimizing or eliminating sulfur during vinification. This approach allows the wines to showcase their purest expressions of fruit, terroir, and vintage.
Renowned for their energy, elegance, and drinkability, the wines of Domaine Lapierre have become benchmarks for natural Beaujolais. They capture the essence of Morgon with their balance of fresh fruit, minerality, and structure, appealing to both seasoned collectors and those new to the world of wine. Domaine Lapierre continues to be a leading force in Beaujolais, proving that natural winemaking and traditional values can yield wines of extraordinary quality and soul.
Domaine Lapierre, located in the village of Villié-Morgon in Beaujolais, is an iconic estate that has redefined the potential of Beaujolais wines. Founded in the early 20th century, the estate became a global symbol of natural winemaking under Marcel Lapierre, who revolutionized the region’s approach to viticulture and vinification. Today, the domaine is managed by Marcel’s children, Mathieu and Camille Lapierre, who continue to honor his legacy while pushing boundaries to craft wines that are vibrant, authentic, and deeply rooted in the terroir.
The estate’s vineyards, spanning approximately 13 hectares, are planted primarily with Gamay Noir, Beaujolais’ flagship grape variety. The vines, many of which are over 60 years old, thrive in the granitic soils of Morgon, one of Beaujolais’ most prestigious crus. These soils, combined with the region’s favorable climate, yield grapes of exceptional character and complexity.
Domaine Lapierre is celebrated for its commitment to organic and sustainable farming, embracing practices that protect biodiversity and enhance soil health. In the cellar, the Lapierres follow a low-intervention philosophy, utilizing indigenous yeasts, avoiding chemical additives, and minimizing or eliminating sulfur during vinification. This approach allows the wines to showcase their purest expressions of fruit, terroir, and vintage.
Renowned for their energy, elegance, and drinkability, the wines of Domaine Lapierre have become benchmarks for natural Beaujolais. They capture the essence of Morgon with their balance of fresh fruit, minerality, and structure, appealing to both seasoned collectors and those new to the world of wine. Domaine Lapierre continues to be a leading force in Beaujolais, proving that natural winemaking and traditional values can yield wines of extraordinary quality and soul.
Domaine Lapierre, located in the village of Villié-Morgon in Beaujolais, is an iconic estate that has redefined the potential of Beaujolais wines. Founded in the early 20th century, the estate became a global symbol of natural winemaking under Marcel Lapierre, who revolutionized the region’s approach to viticulture and vinification. Today, the domaine is managed by Marcel’s children, Mathieu and Camille Lapierre, who continue to honor his legacy while pushing boundaries to craft wines that are vibrant, authentic, and deeply rooted in the terroir.
The estate’s vineyards, spanning approximately 13 hectares, are planted primarily with Gamay Noir, Beaujolais’ flagship grape variety. The vines, many of which are over 60 years old, thrive in the granitic soils of Morgon, one of Beaujolais’ most prestigious crus. These soils, combined with the region’s favorable climate, yield grapes of exceptional character and complexity.
Domaine Lapierre is celebrated for its commitment to organic and sustainable farming, embracing practices that protect biodiversity and enhance soil health. In the cellar, the Lapierres follow a low-intervention philosophy, utilizing indigenous yeasts, avoiding chemical additives, and minimizing or eliminating sulfur during vinification. This approach allows the wines to showcase their purest expressions of fruit, terroir, and vintage.
Renowned for their energy, elegance, and drinkability, the wines of Domaine Lapierre have become benchmarks for natural Beaujolais. They capture the essence of Morgon with their balance of fresh fruit, minerality, and structure, appealing to both seasoned collectors and those new to the world of wine. Domaine Lapierre continues to be a leading force in Beaujolais, proving that natural winemaking and traditional values can yield wines of extraordinary quality and soul.
Biodyna
Organic
Biodynamic
Natural
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The wines of Domaine Lapierre are celebrated for their purity, vibrancy, and profound expression of the Morgon terroir in Beaujolais. Crafted with minimal intervention, these wines are a benchmark for natural winemaking, showcasing the potential of Gamay Noir when grown on granitic soils and vinified with care and respect for the environment. They are known for their drinkability, elegance, and ability to age gracefully, offering something special for both casual drinkers and connoisseurs.
Key Characteristics
Philosophy: Domaine Lapierre’s wines are made using organic and biodynamic practices, spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, and little to no sulfur, allowing for a natural and unadulterated expression of fruit and terroir.
Style: The wines are fresh, energetic, and aromatic, with a seamless balance of fruit, acidity, and tannins. They can be enjoyed young for their lively fruit or aged for additional complexity and depth.
Terroir-Driven: The granitic soils of Morgon impart minerality and structure, while the old vines contribute concentration and nuance.
Signature Wines
Morgon
Description: The flagship wine, a classic expression of the Morgon cru, made from 100% Gamay Noir.
Aromatics: Red and dark fruits like cherry, raspberry, and blackcurrant, with floral notes of violet and hints of spice and earth.
Palate: Silky and vibrant, with fresh acidity, fine-grained tannins, and a mineral-driven finish. It is approachable in youth yet develops savory complexity and texture with age.
Cuvée Marcel Lapierre
Description: A special selection of old-vine Gamay from the domaine’s best parcels, crafted in honor of Marcel Lapierre.
Aromatics: Intense aromas of ripe red and black fruits, herbs, and a subtle smokiness.
Palate: Rich and concentrated, with more structure and depth than the regular Morgon, making it highly age-worthy while still maintaining the domaine’s hallmark freshness and finesse.
Raisins Gaulois
Description: A light and approachable Gamay, made from younger vines and designed for early enjoyment.
Aromatics: Bright and fruity, with notes of strawberry, cherry, and a touch of spice.
Palate: Juicy and easy-drinking, with soft tannins and a refreshing finish. It’s a quintessential example of glou-glou (easy-to-drink) wine.
Tasting Experience
Aromatics: Lapierre wines are marked by their expressive aromas of fresh red and black fruits, floral nuances, and a touch of earthiness or spice.
Palate: They strike a perfect balance between freshness, texture, and complexity. The Morgon wines, in particular, reveal layers of flavor as they age, transitioning from fruit-driven to more savory and mineral characteristics.
Aging Potential
While the wines are incredibly inviting in their youth, with bright fruit and lively acidity, the best bottlings, particularly the Morgon and Cuvée Marcel Lapierre, have the structure and complexity to age gracefully for 5–15 years or more. Over time, they develop deeper earthy and tertiary notes, such as truffle, forest floor, and dried herbs.
Food Pairings
Domaine Lapierre wines are versatile with food, pairing beautifully with:
Roasted poultry, duck, and pork.
Charcuterie, pâtés, and terrines.
Grilled vegetables, mushroom dishes, and hearty salads.
Lightly spiced Asian cuisine or Mediterranean dishes.
Domaine Lapierre’s wines are a pure and joyous reflection of Beaujolais at its best—wines that speak of their place, crafted with care and respect for both the land and the legacy of Marcel Lapierre.
