# Jean Marc Lafont Beaujolais Blanc (2023)

- **Producer:** Domaine de Bel-Air
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Beaujolais, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €14
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 13–13 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apricot, peach, lemon, grapefruit, pastry, biscuit, honey, almond

## About this wine

The Jean Marc Lafont Beaujolais Blanc is a distinctive white wine from the Beaujolais region, where Chardonnay is rarely planted, making up only about 2% of the appellation. The wine is produced by Domaine de Bel-Air, a historic estate with a legacy spanning nearly 170 years, now managed by Jean-Marc and Annick Lafont. Situated on the border of Burgundy, the estate's vineyards are planted on clay and limestone soils, ideal for Chardonnay cultivation. The vineyards are located on steep slopes, necessitating manual vineyard work. The estate follows integrated vine growing and organic farming practices.

## Interesting facts

- Only 2% of Beaujolais is planted with Chardonnay.
- Domaine de Bel-Air has been in the same family for nearly 170 years.
- Vineyards are on steep slopes (20-38%), requiring hand cultivation.
- The estate employs integrated vine growing and organic farming.

## Food pairing

The wine's lively acidity cuts through richer elements like butter sauces and creamy cheeses, while its fruit profile complements the delicate flavors of seafood and poultry. Its freshness makes it an excellent aperitif and a good companion for lighter charcuterie.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Jean Marc Lafont Beaujolais Blanc begins with hand-harvested Chardonnay grapes. The grapes are gently pressed, and the resulting must is fermented in stainless steel vats. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for eight months in stainless steel. This approach is part of the estate's philosophy of minimal intervention, aiming to produce healthy grapes and allow the natural expression of the terroir. The vineyard practices include integrated vine growing, organic farming, and sustainable methods.