Domaine de la Madone News

Summer 2007: Our exclusive Fleurie Vieilles Vignes 2005 from Domaine de la Madone is awarded a Trophy at the 2007 International Wine Challenge. Only 13 French wines were presented with a Trophy and our Fleurie was the only red to receive such an accolade from the entire Burgundy and Beaujolais region.

Spring 2007: Jean-Marc and Maryse are awarded a Gold Medal for our exclusive cuvée of Fleurie Vieilles Vignes 2005 at the International Wine Challenge 2007. The judges tasting notes said that this wine has a "long, clean nose with rich and expressive flavours of berries. Firm tannins, well balanced and a pleasing finish."

Summer 2006: Jean-Marc and Maryse Desprès son, Arnaud, released his first cuvée in May, made from the grapes from a small parcel of land called Domaine du Niagara which just a short walk from Domaine de la Madone.
Niagara comes from the name given to some immense electric pylons erected in 1911, invented to neutralise the electricity in the clouds and prevent the formation of hail. Only a few were constructed, the Eiffel Tower being one, and one was built on the Desprès land in order to protect the Beaujolais region. They were dismantled ten years later when it was decided that they were ineffective.

Spring 2006: With son Arnaud now fully ensconced at the domaine, the range of wines at Domaine de la Madone has been supplemented by a delicious Juliénas. Daughter Nelly, although not fully involved at the domaine (she is a civil engineer and designs tram systems) is often around, and she accompanied Maryse and Arnaud to the Cave Ouverte last November.