Winemakers: Domaine Criox-Charnay

After dabbling in the field of natural wine as spectators and dégustateurs for numerous years, Iris Mauclert and Wincent Lebègue took over the Domaine Croix-Charnay in 2018. The self-proclaimed “néo-vignerons” relocated from Paris—where Iris worked as a librarian at FNAC and Wincent in theater—following their long-time desire to create and reconnect with nature. The picturesque domaine is situated 380 meters above the historic capital of Beaujolais, with vines in the Crus of Chiroubles and Morgon, in addition to Beaujolais Villages. Relatively old goblets (between 30 and 70 years) are found on a diverse range of terroir: blue (medioritic) rock and veins of granite, at a variety of different exposures. The vines are minimally treated using only natural substances, including petit lait, tisanes, and essential oils; soils are lightly worked by winch and pickaxe.

The plots surround the long-standing house, where the original cellar is used for fermentation and aging. Old-school, semi-carbonic maceration takes place in small containers. Wines are pressed using a small horizontal or even smaller vertical (manual) press following two to five weeks of maceration, then aged in barrel for a minimum of six months.

Each single-plot cuvée is highly reflective of its unique terroir, and the wines as a whole embody the fun-loving, warmth and joie de vivre of the winemakers. They incorporate freshness and intention, and are gourmande and fully enjoyable, all without taking themselves too seriously.