Karim Vionnet Fleurie

Born in Lyon to Arabic parents, Karim was adopted by a family in Morgon. His first career was a baker but eventually fell into wine, as one does in this region, and got the natural wine bug by working as a vineyard-hand and winemaker for some of the OG natty wine dudes like Guy Breton and Marcel Lapierre. Technically a negociant (like many of our producers who don't own any vineyards) Karim is responsible for the organic farming and vinification of 5 hectares of plots around Beaujolais, mostly old-ish vines (40- to 60-year-old).

He makes a bunch of different Gamay cuvees, all with carbonic maceration, that are insanely good (and sought after). This is Karim’s Cru Fleurie, one of his two top cuvees that get some old wood aging, and it is clean, classic, grapey Gamay goodness with an elegant edge.

• Producer: Karim Vionnet
• Region: Beaujolais, France
• Varieties: 100% Gamay
• Alcohol: 12%