Winegrowers’ portraits Fleurie
The thirty-year-old man reveals that he works with his father since his early age. Jean-Marc Desprès, talented wine grower, transmitted his passion. They first cooperate on the Domain of the Madone. Then in 2005 Arnaud takes over the 6 hectares of the Domain of the Niagara that belonged to his great-grandfather. Having both their own lands, they continue collaborating. Each brings his knowledge, traditional or innovative ideas. “It is reassuring to have my father at my side, Arnaud recognizes. As for me I proposed new practices: we destem more than previously for example. It allows having a bit longer maceration time without destemming 100%.” The synergy between father and son is positive if we refer to the content of the glass. The cuvees of both domains have their specificities but they all are very well-made, complex and flattering.
Beautiful wines thanks to the two men's meticulous approach, the careful observation of the vines, hand picking, multiple and fiddly sortings, the search for the expression of the Gamay and the affection for the terroir… A rich terroir by the way: “The slopes permit the water not to stagnate, the wind brings its benefits, the pink granite provides minerality”, Arnaud underlines.
The Tradition cuvee of the Madone, without ageing, reveals a lovely matter and a delicious fruit, notes of violet and prune. A feminine, easy-to-drink wine.
The Fleurie Vieilles Vignes stems from 70 to 100-year old stocks… really wonderful! Fine tannins, concentrated fruitiness, beautiful ampleness and a finish on brandied cherry and prunes.
Arnaud Desprès
The Fleurie Cuvée Grille Midi is richer, at the same time straight and round, on notes of jammy fruits: a treasure again!
The cuvee Fleurie Domaine du Niagara presents, after a spicy nose, a marvellous complexity, notes of wild strawberries, liquorice and prune. A wine to be laid down a year or two so that it reveals the complete intensity of its aromas.
Domaine de la Madone
69820 Fleurie - France
Tel: +33 (0) 4 74 69 81 51