Vintage Character Domaine Chapel Juliénas Côte de Bessay 2017 is a beautifully expressive Gamay from the lieu-dit Côte de Bessay, a southeast-facing slope on granite and blue schist soils at the northern edge of the Juliénas cru, bordering Saint-Amour. The 2017 vintage in Beaujolais was shaped by a warm summer following spring frosts and localized hail, which reduced yields but concentrated the fruit. The result was wines of ripeness, freshness, and balance.
Tasting Profile & Food Pairing In the glass, this cuvée opens with lifted aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry, accented by floral notes and a touch of spice. On the palate, it is supple and juicy, with bright acidity, fine tannins, and a mineral edge that gives definition to the fruit. The finish is long and vibrant, making it a versatile partner for roast pork tenderloin, coq au vin, or a simple pasta with wild mushrooms.
Winery Background Domaine Chapel was founded in 2016 by David Chapel and Michele Smith-Chapel, with their first wines made in collaboration with the Lapierre family, pioneers of natural winemaking in Beaujolais. Based in Régnié, the domaine farms organically and works with minimal intervention in the cellar to highlight the purity of Gamay and the individuality of each cru. The Juliénas Côte de Bessay comes from 40–65-year-old goblet-trained vines, fermented semi-carbonically with native yeasts, and aged in concrete and neutral vessels before being bottled unfiltered. This artisanal approach reflects the Chapels’ philosophy of crafting wines that are both authentic and elegant, capturing the energy of Beaujolais’ terroirs with precision and charm.