Winemakers: Domaine Croix-Charnay

After dabbling in the field of natural wine as dégustateurs—like many trend-forward Parisians—for a number of years, Iris Mauclert and Wincent Lebègue launched their own winemaking careers in 2018, taking over the tiny Domaine Croix-Charnay in Beaujeu. The self-proclaimed “néo-vignerons” relocated from the capital—where Iris worked as a librarian at FNAC and Wincent in theater production—to Beaune to complete winemaking degrees and internships before embarking on their joint adventure in the notorious home of Gamay and pâté en croûte. The picturesque domain is situated 380 meters above the historic capital of Beaujolais and is surrounded by plots of Beaujolais Villages (with their vines in the Crus of Chiroubles and Morgon a fifteen minute drive north). Aged goblets (between 30 and 70 years) encompass a range of terroirs—primarily blue (medioritic) rock and veins of granite—at a variety of different exposures. The vines are treated as minimally as possible, with natural extracts including whey, tisanes, and essential oils also used; soils are worked by winch and pickaxe.

The long-standing house’s original cellar is used for vinification and aging. Traditional semi-carbonic maceration takes place in small containers. After two-to-five week maceration periods, the wines are pressed using a small horizontal or even smaller vertical wooden press, followed by aging in barrel for a minimum of six months.

Each single-plot cuvée is highly reflective of its unique terroir in combination with a freshness, intention and a vibrant energy that embodies the fun-loving, warmth and joie de vivre of the winemakers. Gourmand and fully enjoyable—all without taking themselves too seriously.