Beaujolais-Lantignié 'Volcanic' 2021, Fabien Forest

A volcanic expression from the heart of the Beaujolais. In the picturesque village of Lantignié — widely considered by wine insiders as the hidden 11th Cru of the Beaujolais — Fabien Forest crafts a wine that redefines the region's boundaries. His Beaujolais-Lantignié 'Volcanic' 2021 is a certified organic natural wine shaped by rare blue stone and ancient volcanic subsoils, imparting singular mineral depth and energetic tension to the Gamay grape.

On the nose, the wine opens with vibrant, refined aromas of blackcurrant, wild blueberries, and cassis, subtly interwoven with smoky volcanic notes, crushed rock, and earthy underbrush. On the palate, it is powerful, multi-layered, and strikingly refined. Generous fruit concentration seamlessly merges with crisp saline drive and supple minerality, carrying into a long, refreshing finish packed with vitality.

Key Highlights

• Terroir: 100% Gamay sourced from old vines on south-facing plots in Lantignié (Beaujolais), rooted in decomposed blue stone (pierres bleues) and ancient volcanic subsoils.
• Winemaking & Ageing: Hand-harvested, followed by whole-cluster spontaneous fermentation using native yeasts and low-intervention cellar practices.
• Sustainability: Certified organic and bottled under natural wine principles: unfined, unfiltered, and crafted with minimal or zero added sulfites.
• Tasting Profile: Deep, energetic, smoky, and mineral-driven. Notes of blackcurrant, wild berries, smoky volcanic stone, subtle earthiness, and a crisp saline finish.
• Ageing Potential: Highly expressive and energetic now, with the structural balance to cellar gracefully over 4 to 8 years.

Food Pairing

• Mushrooms & Umami: Outstanding alongside wild mushroom risotto with Parmesan, truffle-infused dishes, or sautéed forest mushrooms.
• Vegetarian: Excellent match for roasted seasonal root vegetables with thyme and garlic, spiced lentil stews, or roasted celeriac steak.
• Meat & Poultry: Pairs wonderfully with roasted guinea fowl, duck breast, grilled pork neck, or seared lamb chops.
• Cheese: Ideal with a curated selection of aged French cheeses such as Comté, Tomme de Savoie, or Saint-Nectaire.
• Serving Suggestion: Best served slightly cool between 14°C and 16°C in generous crystal glasses.

The Terroir of Lantignié

Lantignié is celebrated for its complex geology. The vineyards for the 'Volcanic' cuvée feature subsoils of blue stone (pierres bleues / metamorphosed igneous rock) intermingled with volcanic tuff. This dark, mineral-dense soil absorbs solar heat and imparts a signature smoky, saline drive to the old Gamay vines, setting it apart from traditional granite-driven Beaujolais.

About Fabien Forest

Fabien Forest is a dedicated, meticulous winemaker who explores the terroirs of Lantignié with profound respect for the environment. Combining technical precision with organic viticulture, he allows the land to express itself naturally. With the 'Volcanic' 2021, he transparently demonstrates how ancient volcanic formations can yield a pure, structured, and soulful natural wine.