Romanesca

Twins, a winery

Guy and Ferréole Chastel had been cultivating seven hectares in the best Beaujolais vineyards for decades. In 2018, they handed over to the next generation: the twins Antoine and Olivier, supported by Olivier's wife Lucrèce. The trio had previously pursued completely different careers in Lyon - now they returned to take over the family vineyard. Their first step was to switch to organic cultivation. A statement that attracted attention in the traditional Beaujolais region.

The revolution of the plots

The father had always blended his vineyards - a drop from Moulin-à-Vent was mixed with one from Fleurie. The brothers took a different approach: each parcel is vinified individually, each terroir speaks for itself. The Champ de Cour from Moulin-à-Vent shows the depth of the weathered granite. The La Rochelle comes from 50-year-old vines on 2.3 hectares west of the village centre. This distinction between the individual vineyards reveals the diversity of the Gamay like hardly any other winery.

The Roman road as heritage

The name Romanesca refers to the Romans, who planted the first vines here 2000 years ago. Vineyards were planted along the strategic road from Lugdunum (Lyon) to the North Sea around the Gallo-Roman villas of Romanèche-Thorins. In the third century, amphorae transported the wines to Lyon on the Saône. The twins are consciously building on this heritage - with wines that combine character and drinking pleasure.

Gobelet and granite

The vineyards are cultivated in the traditional Gobelet cut The vines are trained in a free-standing vineyard without wire frames, as has been customary for centuries. The high planting density and the competitive pressure between the vines lead to low yields but concentrated grapes. Granite and slate characterise the soils of all four appellations. Similarly terroir-focussed work Petit Aigle in Chénas with old vines and organic cultivation.

Four crus, one style

The seven hectares are spread across the crème de la crème of Beaujolais appellations: four hectares in Moulin-à-Vent, one hectare each in Fleurie, Morgon and Juliénas. Each wine has its own character: Moulin-à-Vent with strength and structure, Fleurie with floral elegance, Morgon with depth, Juliénas with freshness. Some of the vines are over 50 years old. The result: wines full of finesse and minerality that prove that Beaujolais is far more than a Nouveau. The clear parcel work makes Romanesca one of the most exciting young wine estates in the region.