Family-owned and operated, this six hectare estate has been run by women for three generations.

They were primarily grape growers, selling their grapes to the local co-operative. But in 2006, the fourth generation took back the reins of Clos de Mez when Marie-Elodie Zighera decided to forsake urban life in order to rekindle the domaine’s legacy.

Clos de Mez produces two of Beaujolais’ finest appellations: Fleurie and Morgon. The soils primarily consist of granite that has decomposed into a type of pink sand called “gore,” with depths that vary from several centimetres to several meters. These soils are acidic, highly filtering, and resistant to drought—ideal for Gamay. Some of the domain’s parcels in Fleurie are planted on steep slopes.

The philosophy of the domaine is based on a single conviction, that the quality of the wine depends on the quality of the grapes. With that in mind, starting in 2006, the domain has focussed their work in the vineyards, yields have been reduced drastically, and they’ve employed techniques such as severe pruning and rigorous debudding. Their vines now have an average age of over 40 years. To maintain the character of these old vines, the Clos de Mez plans to propagate their fields using clones from their own plants. They’ve always grown their gamay gobelet-style, and continue to do so.