Representing the fourth generation of the family, Raphaël Saint-Cyr took over the estate founded by his grandfather, Pierre Saint-Cyr, in 2008. Located in Anse, in the southern Beaujolais, on the clay-limestone soils of the Pierres Dorées, Raphaël sold some of the estate’s original vineyards in order to acquire new parcels farther north in the crus of Morgon, Régnié, Chénas and Moulin-à-Vent. The estate’s 23 hectares have been converted to organic farming. Natural grass cover is encouraged to provide a refuge for biodiversity and help regulate yields, while since 2020 Raphaël has also been experimenting with horse ploughing. The same spirit of experimentation extends to the winery, where cold carbonic fermentation has been practised since 2019. The wines are vinified with native yeasts, without inputs, no filtration and with only trace amounts of sulphur. Extended ageing on fine lees gives rise to elegant wines of remarkable precision.

The Chardonnay grape reveals one of its finest expressions in the heart of Beaujolais. The vines, averaging 30 years, thrive on clay and limestone soils and benefit from sound methods of organic and biodynamic viticulture. To preserve the fruit, the grapes are carefully selected and harvested by hand. In the cellar, the berries undergo spontaneous alcoholic fermentation with indigenous yeasts naturally present in the grapes, followed by malolactic fermentation. The wine is then matured in stainless steel vats for six months. After a light filtration, the cuvée is bottled with a small dose of sulphite. The white wine has a charming pale gold colour. The nose is marked by fruity notes combined with spicy notes. The fresh, light palate paves the way to a tasty, fruity finish.