GRANATELLI DENIS

Here in Boston we can get a little superior about our slice of American history—Plymouth, Paul Revere, Salem witches, all that. We figure that, with almost 400 years under our belts, we’ve earned it. But try selling “history” to the Chasselay family in the tiny Pierres Dorées village of Chatillon d’Azergue, France and the response is a wry smile. Because this charming family, on an idyllic farm in a postcard corner of Beaujolais, has been making wine here since 1464—a generation before America was (or more accurately, wasn’t) a glimmer in the eye of Christopher Columbus. And doing so in a region where grapes have been grown and fermented by someone for over 2000 years. My wife and I arrived at Domaine Chasselay on a rainy night in November after a long and arduous day’s drive. I suspect we interrupted the Chasselays’ dinner, but that did not keep the gracious and energetic Claire from running out of her house to greet us and escort us to our room, a few steps away in a lovely remodeled and updated barn building; in fact, because we visited in the off-season, we had the entire house to ourselves. The impeccably clean and large room, which was simply furnished and featured modern bath and toilet rooms, a writing desk, and a pretty view of the vineyard out the traditional shutter windows, was warm and comfortable. Claire thoughtfully prepared a charcuterie plate (including homemade ham and paté) and a refreshing bottle of their 2016 (“12 days of maceration in tank and 9 months ‘like a baby’ in oak barrels,” per Claire’s note.) The next day, after a delightful breakfast and chat with Christiane, Claire and brother Fabien’s lovely mother, Christiane, we were treated to a tour of the small operation and a tasting of several of the domaine’s wines, including an astonishingly good Beaujolais Blanc (Chasselay’s Eparcieux Blanc), 100% chardonnay. When I suggested to Claire’s father, Jean-Gilles—himself a classic portrait of a robust French vigneron—that their white wi

A warm and generous welcome after arriving with very little warning, no doubt disrupting a busy day among the flowering vines. Nevertheless, we were offered a fine tasting and fascinating conversation about the domaine’s wines, which are truly special in an appellation full of legendary bottles. Thank you for the hospitality Domaine Chasselay.

We highly recommend a visit to Domaine Chasselay! The Chasselay family has been making wine since the 1400's and the passion, love, and family welcomed visitors with ease. We stayed in the bed and breakfast and our highlight was our time with Claire, one of the vintners. She not only provided a tasting but spend time showing us the production areas and explained the organic process they use. They have varied wines and all were quite lovely! We can't wait to get back to the states to order wine! The village is o is the gateway to the Beaujolais wine trail.

Voor iedereen een aanrader. Leuke enthousiaste dame die ons in goed engels hielp. Gewoon erf op en zoeken. Top winnen gekocht. Super.

Nous avons été très bien accueilli par la maman de la propriétaire (qui était en vacances). Un domaine familial comme je les aime. On prend le temps de discuter, de visiter, de découvrir, d'échanger... En plus les vins sont super bons. J'adore la cuvée Eparcieux Blanc. On a passé un très bon moment. On reviendra, c'est sûr. Merci.

Excellent accueil dans cette famille de viticulteurs amoureux de leur pays, de leur vins de leur traductions et qui savent très bien en parler ! Les chambres sont confortables. Nous avons passé un bon moment chez eux. Merci !

La famille Chasselay est toujours très accueillante, souriante et sympathique. On y trouve des vins de qualité, délicieux, diversifiés et qui respecte la biodiversité. Petite préférence pour l'eparcieux et La Platiere. Très bonne adresse .

Jeudi, 27 février, nous avons passé, ma femme et moi, une très bonne soirée au domaine: accueil chaleureux, visite intéressante de la cave, bon dîner au coin du feu en compagnie d'un couple charmant. L'absence de télévision dans la chambre nous semble davantage un point positif, vu le style que nous cherchions. Merci à nos hôtes. Raoul de Buttet (Savoie)