Gilles Ducroux : Beaujolais

Ducroux has 8ha with around 60,000 vines which produce the Lantignie and 15.000 vines producing the Regnie. The Gamay vines are planted in granite soils on slopes which are exposed to the south, ensuring plenty of sun but impossible to work with machinery. The harvest and all other tasks are undertaken by hand. The treatment of vines for disease and insect damage is reduced to a minimum to ensure respect for the environment and the grapes, only humus is added to the soil.

Winemaking is done in the traditional Beaujolais way. The grapes are hand-picked and left in vats for 6 to 10 days before pressing. A part of the harvest is always pressed with an old wooden press. This leaves the grapes not entirely crushed and bruised and they are with electric presses, keeping the tannins more supple.