2021 Jean-Claude Lapalu 'Alma Mater'

Place: Beaujolais, France

Variety: Gamay

Farming: Organic

Jean-Claude Lapalu is one of France's most renowned vignerons and a darling of the Paris natural wine scene. He farms old vines (50-100-years-old) meticulously and organically, the resulting wines are unadulterated, energetic and idiosyncratic. 

Jean-Claude’s tête de cuvée Alma Mater is either gamay, gamay/syrah or syrah/gamay depending on the vintage. In 2021 he felt the gamay fruit was just right so he handled it as he does most—semi-carbonic maceration followed by few week ferment—but this is the only cuvée he presses into amphora. This is to achieve the ‘constant exchange from the earth to the wine’ which he feels provides a dimension unlike any other vessel. A serious wine that requires our full attention.