Domaine de la Madone - Fleurie Prestige 2009

Established for five generations on Fleurie’s most famous vineyard, La Madone, the Després family produces a very consistent range of elegant and well-balanced Fleurie wines. Arnaud, the son of Jean-Pierre Després, founded the Domaine du Niagara in 2005. He is expected to take over the family estate this year and will henceforth manage the entire operation. It is a daunting task on a famous yet challenging cru. The most recent vintages live up to the estate’s reputation, and the wide range of wines offers a safe choice at a reasonable price.

Jean-Marc Després, one of the leading figures in Fleurie, has been based there since 1984 with his wife Maryse. In 2018, he passed his estate on to his son Arnaud, who now manages 18 hectares near an iconic site in the appellation: the Chapel of the Madonna. Another label: Dom. du Niagara.

Jean-Marc Després is a reserved winemaker who speaks to you with his eyes… and through his wines! His son Arnaud joined him in 2005. He then took over his great-grandfather’s vineyards, which he markets under the Domaine Niagara label; he changed the vineyard management practices and planted new plots, including Viognier on granite. Thanks to the warm hospitality, the authenticity of its wines, and the delicious cuisine at its inn, La Madone is a delightful stop in the Beaujolais region.