Domaine Vionnet

Estate Overview

Founded in 2006 by Karim Vionnet in Villié-Morgon (Beaujolais), Domaine Vionnet is known for its dedication to low-intervention, terroir-driven winemaking.
Karim, a former collaborator of Guy Breton and Marcel Lapierre, farms around 5–6 hectares of vines and produces naturally expressive Gamay-based wines. His approach combines traditional Beaujolais techniques with a natural-wine philosophy — minimal additives, manual work, and a focus on energy and drinkability.

Vineyards & Soils

  • Location: Villié-Morgon, Quincié, and Lantignié, Beaujolais.

  • Surface area: Approximately 5–6 hectares.

  • Soils: Predominantly granitic sand and decomposed granite, with patches of clay and schist; mid-slope exposures promote excellent drainage and ripening balance.

  • Farming practices:

    • Fully organic (uncertified but practiced for decades).

    • No herbicides, pesticides, or synthetic fertilizers.

    • Manual vineyard work and harvesting.

    • No irrigation; vines are dry-farmed to encourage deep root systems and soil expression.

  • Vine age: Many parcels are 40–60 years old.

Grapes & Varieties

  • Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc (100%)

    • Used across all wines, including Beaujolais-Villages, Chiroubles, and other cuvées.

    • Fruit is sourced from estate holdings and select old-vine parcels farmed organically by trusted growers.

Vinification & Cellar Work

  • Harvest: 100% manual, sorted in the vineyard.

  • Fermentation:

    • Native yeasts only.

    • Traditional Beaujolais semi-carbonic maceration (whole cluster, in closed vats).

    • Minimal extraction and no temperature control; gentle handling to preserve fruit purity.

  • Aging:

    • 6–9 months in concrete tanks or neutral oak; no new wood used.

    • Wines remain on fine lees for natural stability.

  • Additives:

    • No enzymes, cultured yeasts, or other inputs.

    • Sulphur used sparingly, or not at all (depending on cuvée and vintage).

  • Fining/Filtration: None or very light filtration before bottling.

  • Bottling: By gravity, according to lunar cycles.

House Style

Domaine Vionnet’s wines are vibrant, fruit-driven, and full of life. They combine the freshness of Gamay with the transparency of natural winemaking, offering a sense of purity and place.

  • Aromatics: Red berries, violets, granite minerality, and wild herbs.

  • Palate: Supple texture, fine tannins, and energetic acidity.

  • Finish: Juicy, precise, and refreshing — wines meant for pleasure and authenticity.

Key Cuvées

  • Beaujolais-Villages “Karim Vionnet” – Classic semi-carbonic Gamay; juicy, floral, and structured.

  • Chiroubles – From high-altitude vineyards; elegant and mineral, with red fruit and spice.

  • “Du Beur dans les Pinards” – Playful natural Beaujolais Nouveau-style wine; bottled early, no added sulphur.

  • Beaujolais-Villages Rosé – Direct-press Gamay; crisp, delicate, and thirst-quenching.

Technical Contacts

Domaine Vionnet
988 Route de Morgon
69910 Villié-Morgon
Beaujolais, France
📧 kvionnet@free.fr
📞 +33 (0)4 74 69 12 85