Domaine du Carra
It was the young Jean-Marie Sambardier who, in 1918, started as a vineyard labourer within the southern corner of the Beaujolais appellation. Together with his son, Jean, their enterprise took them from hired hands to domaine owners – and now Jean's great grandsons, Jean-Frédéric and Dominic farm 32 hectares of vines that cover Fleurie, Juliénas, Moulin-à-Vent, Brouilly and the Villages. Based just to the west of Villefranche-sur-Saône they produce the most delicate and well defined range of wines that we have encountered in the region. In total there are 72 individual plots of vines all of which are harvested by hand and vinified separately, showing respect for every difference in soil and parcel of vines. From the most delicate crisp unoaked Bourgogne Blanc to what can best be described as rich, intense Fleurie these are wines that truely reflect the individual terroirs – and most importantly, give immense pleasure.