Domaine de Rochegrés, Moulin-à-Vent, Le Roc, Beaujolais, France, 2016

Producer Profile

Located in the heart of the Moulin-à-Vent appellation, Domaine de Rochegrès is Albert Bichot’s Beaujolais estate, covering 4.9 hectares within the renowned Rochegrès Climat.

Here, the granite bedrock rises visibly through the vineyard, giving the site its name and distinctive identity. The vines are mainly south-east facing and planted on poor, pure pink granitic soils, forcing the roots to grow deep in search of nutrients. These demanding conditions produce naturally concentrated Gamay with structure, minerality and an expressive floral character. The domaine produces two Moulin-à-Vent cuvées, including Le Roc, sourced from parcels in La Rochelle, Au Mont and younger vines within Rochegrès. The estate combines the power and ageing potential associated with Moulin-à-Vent with the freshness, elegance and aromatic purity characteristic of Albert Bichot’s style.

Viticulture

Produced at Domaine de Rochegrès in the heart of the Moulin-à-Vent appellation, this Gamay is sourced from vineyards within the renowned Rochegrès Climat. The 30 to 40-year-old vines are planted in poor, pure pink granitic soils with south-eastern exposure, encouraging deep root development and concentrated fruit expression. The wine is crafted from parcels in La Rochelle, Au Mont and younger vines in Rochegrès, bringing together multiple facets of this exceptional terroir.

Winemaking

The grapes undergo fermentative maceration in temperature-controlled open vats for 16 to 18 days, allowing for gentle extraction of colour, flavour and structure. This careful vinification preserves the aromatic purity of the fruit while building the complexity and balance characteristic of Moulin-à-Vent. Aged for 8 to 9 months, with 50% matured in 350-litre oak barrels, including 20% new oak, and 50% in stainless steel vats. It then spends a further 3 to 4 months entirely in stainless steel, allowing the oak influence to integrate while retaining freshness and fruit clarity.

Tasting Note

Expressive and complex, this Moulin-à-Vent opens with aromas of rose petals, raspberry, blackcurrant and blueberry, underpinned by distinctive mineral notes. Generous and well-structured on the palate, it combines vibrant fruit with depth and harmony. The finish is intense, elegant and subtly floral, showcasing the finesse of top-quality Gamay.

Food matching

Superb with herb-crusted lamb, roast duck, beef bourguignon and nutty aged Beaufort cheese.