Domaine de Bel Air
ドメーヌ・ド・ベル・エール
Nearly 170 years of Beaujolais terroir on Bel-Air Hill's blue granite.
Domaine de Bel Air perches on Bel-Air Hill overlooking the Ardières valley near Lancié, in the heart of Beaujolais, with a history spanning nearly 170 years. Since 1985, winemaker Jean-Marc Lafont and his wife Annick have run the estate, farming steep 20-38% slopes almost entirely by hand and following integrated viticulture to minimize systemic treatments. Their flagship cuvée, 'Les Granits Bleus', showcases the region's distinctive blue granite soils, producing Gamay-based wines of purity, finesse, and terroir expression that are championed internationally by importer Skurnik Wines (via Becky Wasserman).
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Who Is This For?
For drinkers seeking authentic, terroir-driven Beaujolais from steep hillside vineyards farmed with minimal intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this Domaine de Bel Air related to estates of the same name in the Loire Valley?
- No. This Domaine de Bel Air is an independent estate near Lancié in Beaujolais, run by Jean-Marc Lafont; it has no connection to similarly named domaines in the Loire Valley or elsewhere.
- What is 'Les Granits Bleus'?
- Les Granits Bleus is the domaine's flagship cuvée, named after the blue granite soils of its steep Beaujolais vineyards, which give the wine its distinctive mineral structure.
- Since when have Jean-Marc and Annick Lafont run the estate?
- Jean-Marc Lafont and his wife Annick have managed Domaine de Bel Air since 1985, continuing an estate history of nearly 170 years.
- How are the vineyards farmed?
- Because the slopes range from 20 to 38% grade, almost all vineyard work is done by hand, and the domaine follows integrated viticulture that avoids systemic treatments through close observation of the vines.
- Do Domaine de Bel Air's wines pair well with Japanese food?
- Yes. The bright acidity and mineral purity of their Gamay-based wines pair naturally with grilled fish, yakitori, and other soy-based Japanese dishes.