Christian Ducroux

Domaine Christian Ducroux wines: buy at the best price

Christian Ducroux is an absolutely unique and founding figure of the natural Beaujolais vineyard: a pioneer who, since 1970, has cultivated his vines in total harmony with nature in the surroundings of Lantignié, long before the terms "organic" and "biodynamic" became fashionable. Certified Organic Agriculture since 1980 and in biodynamics since 1985, he is one of the longest-standing winegrowers committed to these practices in France, working alongside two horses that plough, weed and even transport the grapes during the harvest. Across 6 hectares of old Gamay vines planted on pink granite at a density of 10,000 vines per hectare, trained in gobelet style, north-facing at 400 metres of altitude to preserve freshness, Christian produces his wines in a cellar beneath his family home, using a very old 1870 press. The absolute hallmark of his approach: he does not produce single-vineyard cuvées, but instead differentiates his wines through the selection of juices obtained from pressing. 

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Christian Ducroux Cuvée Thibault 2018
Last one !
1 in stock
79067
White
75cl
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Beaujolais | Vin de France

Christian Ducroux Cuvée Thibault 2018

€30.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€25.00 ex-VAT

History of Domaine Christian Ducroux

Christian Ducroux comes from a long line of winegrowers in Lantignié, in the Régnié. His father and grandfather cultivated the vines on these same pink granite plots before him. In 1970, he took over the family domaine in the midst of the agricultural chemical revolution, at a time when all his neighbours were turning to chemical inputs and herbicides. He did exactly the opposite. Attentive to studies and experiments highlighting the damage caused by chemicals to soils and wines, he progressively began converting his vineyard to a farming approach respectful of living organisms. Organic Agriculture certification was obtained as early as 1980, followed by biodynamics in 1985: dates that place him among the absolute pioneers of these practices in France, long before these movements were recognised and valued.

In the years that followed, Christian adopted horse-drawn work, acquiring two horses that became his main working tools: they plough the soil between the rows, carry out treatments by spraying and, during harvest, transport the crates of grapes to the cellar. His vines are planted among shrubs and fruit trees, in a constant quest for biodiversity that Christian calls "the rhythms of life." For decades, he worked discreetly, away from the media spotlight, until the natural wine wave of the 2000s-2010s finally brought his figure into the light. For many natural wine producers of the next generation, Christian Ducroux is a mentor and an inspiration.

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine Christian Ducroux

Christian Ducroux's vineyard extends over 6 hectares, all situated around the family cellar, in the lieu-dit Thulon in Lantignié, within the Régnié appellation, at an altitude of approximately 400 metres. The vines face north, an unconventional choice in a region that generally favours south-facing exposures. This exposure preserves the natural freshness of the grapes in a region that has experienced the effects of climate change earlier than others, and imparts a remarkable mineral tension and natural acidity to the wines. The soil is pink granite, mineral and free-draining, with a planting density of 10,000 vines per hectare.

The grape varieties consist of 98% Gamay, with the remainder being white varieties planted at slightly higher altitude. Christian is currently conducting experiments with different disease-resistant white varieties, seeking a taut and refined variety that would adapt to the conditions of the site, with a promising lead on the Savoyard Jacquère. The vines are pruned en gobelet, "the most respectful pruning method as it resembles a small tree, well balanced", in his own words. The vines are planted among shrubs and fruit trees to promote biodiversity. The use of copper and sulphur is reduced to a minimum, replaced by herbal infusions to strengthen the plants.

Vinifications of Domaine Christian Ducroux

Christian Ducroux's vinification method is unique in the Beaujolais landscape and in the world of wine in general. In his simple and ancestral cellar beneath his home, whole bunches of Gamay are fermented with indigenous yeasts in large traditional concrete vats. No oenological inputs, no added sulphur. After fermentation, the grapes are pressed in an old press from 1870. It is here that the absolute singularity of the domaine is born: Christian distinguishes and separates the juices according to the moment of pressing, creating three distinct cuvées defined not by terroir or by plot, but by the very nature of the extracted juices. The Patience cuvée, the most tannic, spends approximately 10 months in demi-muid and around 1 year in bottle before release, giving the tannins time to integrate. The wines are bottled without filtration or fining.

The cuvées of Domaine Christian Ducroux

Prologue (Régnié / Vin de France): The domaine's first cuvée and its lightest, sourced from free-run juice (juice flowing naturally from the bunches by gravity, without pressing) and from the beginning of the press juice, meaning the first, least extracted juices. "Prologue" evokes the beginning of something, an introduction. A red wine of great freshness and crystalline lightness, with vivid and expressive fruitiness on red fruits (strawberry, cherry, raspberry), a light and airy palate, with almost no tannins. The domaine's cuvée of immediate pleasure and indulgence, to be enjoyed chilled within the year or the first two years. "Nose of fur, animal and metallic expression, an extra fruity attack, beautiful acidity, exemplary structure" according to an enthusiastic admirer.

Exspectatia (Régnié / Vin de France): Second cuvée sourced from the middle of the pressing (approximately 80% mid-press juice, 20% free-run juice), meaning the intermediate juices. Its Latin name evokes "expectativa", patient waiting. A red wine more concentrated and more complex than the Prologue, with greater substance, structure and length, while retaining the freshness and lightness characteristic of the domaine. "Bursting with fruit, a hint of sweetness, juicy, indulgent, very glou-glou." Excellent value for money according to enthusiasts. Best enjoyed as an aperitif or with light dishes, with a gentle oxygenation.

Patience (Régnié / Vin de France): Third cuvée and the most structured of the domaine, sourced from the rebêchage (loosening of the press to extract the last juices), a juice more tannic and more bitter than the previous ones. As its name suggests, this cuvée demands time: approximately 10 months of ageing in demi-muid, then a further year in bottle before release. A red wine more austere and reductive in its youth, but which opens up progressively to reveal an unprecedented depth and complexity. The tannins, firm at first, integrate with time into a concentrated substance. To be decanted generously or cellared for 3 to 5 years. The domaine's collector and ageing cuvée.

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