Thanks to the old vines, whose grapes are smaller and more concentrated, this wine is a true distillation of Gamay’s finest aromas. It is a wine with aging potential that will charm you with the finesse and purity of its fruit.
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Eye
Deep ruby color with violet hues
Nose
Ripe, with notes of red berries and a subtle peppery hint
Palate
Rich and supple on the palate, velvety, with a strong emphasis on fruit
Serve
At 13-15°C
Open
1 hour in advance for young vintages
Drink before
2032+
Guard
Ages 8 and up
Food and Wine Pairings
Enjoy it with veal blanquette, Bresse chicken in cream sauce, or a rack of lamb with thyme blossoms...
Bettane & Desseauve
Rated 2*Stars (A solid, recommendable production, though a bit more consistent and uniform than the previous one)
About the estate:
Established for five generations on Fleurie’s most famous vineyard, La Madone, the Després family produces a very consistent range of elegant, 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.
Guide Hachette des vins
Rated wine (2026 guide) 1*Star (2023 vintage) (A very successful wine)
Rated Estate (2022 Guide) Award-Winning Wines (This producer's wines regularly receive awards from the guide)
About the estate:
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.
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Wine rated (2025 Guide) 92/100 (2023 Vintage) (An outstanding wine)
RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France
Rated Estate (2022 Guide) Selected (Please note that this guide is a ranking, and as such, all the estates listed here—even those without a star—represent, in our view, the pinnacle of French winemaking.)
About the estate:
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. Arnaud then took over his great-grandfather’s vineyards, which he markets under the Domaine Niagara label; he revised the vineyard management practices and planted new plots, including Viognier on granite. Thanks to the warmth of its hospitality, the authenticity of its wines, and the delicious cuisine at its inn, La Madone is a delightful stop in Beaujolais.
Jancis Robinson
Rated winery (2022 guide) Recommended
James Suckling
Wine rated (2025 guide) 91/100 (2023 vintage)