Site: between Moulin-à-Vent and Chiroubles, Fleurie is certainly one of the most celebrated of the ten Crus of Beaujolais. The Hospices de Belleville's Fleurie is produced on three parcels for a total surface of 6.56 ha (16 acres): "Vers le Mont", "Les Marrans" and "Les Grands Prés".Because of its size, 6 ha (14 acres), "Vers le Mont", situated on the slopes of La Madone,dominates the assemblage of these 3 plots.History & Tradition: at the foot of the Chapel of the Black Virgin. The "Gobelet" pruning probably goes back to the Greek or Roman period.In 2014, Maison Joseph Drouhin signed an exclusive partnership with the Hospices de Belleville, historical owner of 14 ha (34 acres) in the 3 crus of Fleurie, Brouilly and Morgon.Soil: The soil is gore, poor, well-drained and very characteristic of the appellation.
Vinification
Depending on the plot and the quality of the grapes, part of the harvest is de-stemmed for a "Burgundy style" vinification with punch downs and pump overs, whilst the rest is vinified as whole cluster with carbonic maceration. Slow fermentation lasts between 10 to 15 days.
Ageing
The wines which are vinified Burgundy style are aged in large "pieces", (500 liters), stainless steel tanks are reserved for the wines issued from carbonic maceration. The wines are then assembled into one unique "cuvée".
Tasting note by Véronique Boss-Drouhin
Having a pretty ruby, violet colour, the wine begins by expressing pretty floral notes of violet, rose, iris, with a typical peppery note which then evolves into red fruits. The flesh is smooth and silky with soft Tannins, like a caress, the finale is long fresh and persistant.
Vintage
Beaujolais wines show pretty bright colours with a purplish reflection and deliver aromas of red and black fruits mingling with slightly spicy notes.
Serving
Temperature: recommended for service between 16 and 18°C.Cellaring: seductive in its youth, it will reveal all its complexity in the coming 6 years.
