History
Frédéric Lafarge had worked at his family’s Burgundian estate, Domaine Lafarge, since 1978.
Following the death of his father, Michel Lafarge, Frédéric has been at the helm of this illustrious domaine since January 2020.
In the spring of 2014, he and his wife, Chantal, established Domaine Lafarge Vial in Fleurie, Beaujolais. The couple wanted to invest in a project together that would be entirely their own creation. This has been reflected in the addition of the name Vial, Chantal’s maiden name.
In the course of their inaugural year, Frédéric and Chantal managed to secure several parcels of vines within Fleurie and one small adjoining parcel of Chiroubles, with buildings within the lieu-dit Bel-Air, in the commune of Fleurie.
With a typically Burgundian approach, the Lafarges' focus is on the local rather than the regional — their Fleurie and Chiroubles being very much centre stage.
The Vineyards
All of the vineyards are trained in the traditional gobelet method and planted on degraded granite. The Lafarges have practised biodynamics from the outset, mirroring their approach in Volnay and working towards biodynamic certification in Fleurie.
The domaine began with just 2.25 hectares which was increased to 4.1 hectares from the 2015 vintage. The additional plots include La Joie du Palais in Fleurie — a high altitude, old vine parcel with steep slopes that require horse ploughing.
A slight delay in ripeness levels of the grapes between the Côte de Beaune and Beaujolais allows the Lafarges to be present for harvest at both domaines. The vines in Beaujolais are hand-harvested, and the majority are destemmed. Gentle extraction and 12 months élevage in old oak barrels (including foudres) ensures the terroir expression of their crus shines through.