Hard to believe it’s been a year since we visited Domaine Lapierre. Walking the vineyards, tasting straight from the cellar, and nodding sagely while pretending to understand French soil classifications… it was an unforgettable experience.

In 1973, Marcel Lapierre took over his family’s estate, which at the time was just seven hectares of vineyards. Under the mentorship of Jules Chauvet, a visionary chemist and winemaker, Marcel began to embrace organic farming and minimal intervention winemaking. Chauvet’s influence played a key role in Marcel’s decision to adopt carbonic maceration—a technique where whole grape clusters ferment in a carbon dioxide-rich environment before being crushed. This method highlights pure fruit flavours, resulting in wines that are fresh, lively, and incredibly drinkable.

Marcel became one of the key members of the famous "Gang of Four" producers in the 1980s, alongside Jean Foillard, Guy Breton, and Thierry Puzelat. Together, they helped reshape Beaujolais, transforming the region from one known for cheap, mass-produced wines to one celebrated for its complexity and distinctive character.

As for the vineyards, they’re a sight to behold. Gamay vines stretch across the hillsides, thriving in the region’s well-draining, acidic soils. At Domaine Lapierre, the vines are carefully managed using the goblet pruning method, a technique that keeps the vines at just the right level of vigour. It’s a balance that produces wines that are both expressive and true to the terroir. We had the privilege of seeing it all firsthand, and it’s every bit as focused and hands-on as you'd expect from a vineyard that values quality. 

Marcel Lapierre’s impact on Beaujolais is hard to overstate. His commitment to organic farming, minimal intervention in the cellar, and overall respect for the land have helped shape the region’s modern identity. Today, his children, Mathieu and Camille, continue his legacy with a fresh perspective while maintaining the same principles of quality and authenticity.

If you haven’t yet discovered Domaine Lapierre, these wines are a great place to start. Whether you go for the bright, approachable Raisins Gaulois or the more complex Morgon VV, you’re tasting a piece of Beaujolais history, one glass at a time.