Domaine Valma Fleurie Les Labourons 2023

Domaine Valma was created by Valentine and Stéphane Mathieu, wine lovers with a soft spot for the Beaujolais. They began their wine careers in sales and marketing, which inspired their dream to create something entirely their own. Valentine went back to school to get the degree in agricultural studies that is required in France to establish a new domaine. She is in charge of all vineyard and cellar work at Valma while Stéphane runs the sales.

The choice to make wine in the Beaujolais was clear from the beginning. Not only is it the region where Stéphane was born, but they both are convinced by the Beaujolais’ terroirs' unique potential for Gamay. Discussions, reflections, exchanges with grower friends and neighbors, and strong support from their families all contributed in making their dream become a reality with the 2021 vintage.

The name “Valma” is packed with meaning. It includes “Val” (valley), which is emblematic of the Beaujolais and more particularly of the lieu-dit where the domaine is located. “Alma” has a double-meaning: it translates to “soul” in Spanish, and the act of “nourishing/supporting” in Latin. Lastly, Valma is a combination of Valentine's first and last names.

Variety: Gamay

Vine Age: Planted in 1951

Terroir: From the Les Labourons lieu-dit; north and west facing, 360-410m altitude, on degraded granite soils.

Viticulture: Organic (in official conversion), goblet and éventail training, double cordon de royat pruning.

Vinification: 100% whole cluster, 2-4-week ambient yeast fermentation and semi-carbonic maceration in concrete tanks, 1-2 pump-overs per day, aged for 8 months in used barrels, no fining, no filtration, SO2 added after malolactic fermentation (25-30 ppm total at bottling).