Domaine Jean-Marc Laforest

Domaine Laforest: A Beaujolais Family Legacy

Domaine Laforest, established in 1920, is a renowned family-run winery located in the heart of the Beaujolais region, specifically in the Régnié appellation. For over four generations, the Laforest family has been dedicated to producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of Beaujolais. Today, the estate is managed by Jean-Marc Laforest, with his sons Thomas and Pierre joining the family business in 2016, ensuring that traditional winemaking techniques continue to thrive alongside modern innovations.

The Estate

Spanning 20 hectares (nearly 50 acres), Domaine Laforest focuses on cultivating the Gamay grape variety, which thrives in Beaujolais. Their vineyards are spread across several appellations, including Régnié, Brouilly, and Côte de Brouilly. The estate is known for its sustainable and traditional vineyard practices, including hand-harvesting and careful sorting to ensure only the highest quality grapes are used in their wines.

Winemaking Philosophy

Domaine Laforest emphasizes minimal intervention in both the vineyard and the cellar. Vinification is often carried out using carbonic maceration, a technique typical of Beaujolais that enhances the fruity and aromatic qualities of the wines. The wines are bottled on the estate, maintaining control over the entire production process from vine to bottle.

Key Wines

Régnié: This wine, from one of the ten Crus of Beaujolais, is supple and fruit-forward, with a vibrant cherry-red color and flavors of red currants and fresh berries.
Brouilly: Known for its smooth texture and balance, the Brouilly wines from Domaine Laforest offer rich fruit flavors with earthy undertones.
Côte de Brouilly: A more structured wine with minerality, reflecting the volcanic soils of the appellation.

The estate produces approximately 100,000 bottles annually, with a strong focus on maintaining the quality and reputation that Beaujolais wines are known for.