Jean-Claude Lapalu

Jean-Claude Lapalu is a distinguished winemaker in the Beaujolais region of France, particularly celebrated for his contributions to natural wine production. His journey into winemaking began in 1996 when he transitioned from selling grapes to the local cooperative, a practice his family had maintained for generations, to vinifying his own wines. This shift marked the inception of his unique approach to winemaking.

The Beaujolais wine region, located in eastern France between Burgundy and Lyon, is renowned for its Gamay-based wines that range from light and fruity to complex and age-worthy. The region’s granite and schist soils, combined with a semi-continental climate, create ideal conditions for vibrant, terroir-driven wines. Beaujolais is divided into three key appellations—Beaujolais AOC, Beaujolais-Villages AOC, and the prestigious Beaujolais Crus, which include renowned names like Morgon, Fleurie, and Brouilly. Traditional semi-carbonic maceration enhances the fresh, aromatic quality of its wines, making Beaujolais a dynamic and diverse wine region celebrated for both easy-drinking Nouveau and structured, cellar-worthy crus.