Famille DutraiveThe Royal Family of Fleurie
Four generations tending the hallowed ground of Fleurie. Jean-Louis Dutraive—pioneer, philosopher, "Godfather" of natural Beaujolais—and the next generation: Jean-Philippe, Ophélie, Solenne, and Charlotte. Biodynamic since day one.
From Jean to Jean-Louis to the Next Generation
The Dutraive story begins in 1969 when Jean Dutraive purchased Domaine de la Grand'Cour in Fleurie. The estate comprised several climats including the walled vineyard of Clos de la Grand'Cour—a historic monopole that would become the family's crown jewel.
Jean-Louis Dutraive took the reins in 1977, initially selling grapes to the cooperative. By 1997, he began bottling under his own name, quickly becoming one of the most respected figures in natural wine. Known for his infectious enthusiasm, philosophical approach, and unwavering commitment to biodynamics, Jean-Louis transformed Fleurie's reputation.
"The wine is made in the vineyard. In the cellar, we just try not to ruin it."
Today, the transition to the fourth generation is complete. Jean-Philippe manages the cellar and Champagne project, Ophélie handles administration and marketing, while Solenne and Charlotte work in the vineyards and cellar. Jean-Louis remains the guiding spirit, the "Godfather" of Fleurie natural wine.
Four Siblings, One Vision
Jean-Louis
The legend himself. Pioneer of natural Beaujolais, biodynamic evangelist, and the philosophical heart of the domaine.
Jean-Philippe
Cellar master and Champagne producer. Trained in Burgundy, crafts the family's Fleurie expressions.
Ophélie
Administration, marketing, and export. The engine behind the domaine's international reputation.
Solenne & Charlotte
Working the vines and cellar, representing the future. Ensuring the Dutraive legacy continues.
The Terroirs of Fleurie
Domaine de la Grand'Cour encompasses 15 hectares of Fleurie's finest terroirs. The vineyards are farmed biodynamically (certified by Ecocert), with vines ranging from 60 to over 100 years old.
Clos de la Grand'Cour
The flagship parcel surrounding the family home—a historic monopole. 60-80 year old vines on pink granite. Whole bunch carbonic maceration for 15-20 days. Elegant, floral, with remarkable precision and the signature Dutraive finesse.
60-80 years
Monopole
15-20 days
Les Colettes
Sandy granite soils give this cuvée a lifted, aromatic character. More accessible in youth but ages beautifully. Notes of peony, rose, and red currant. The finesse of Fleurie at its most expressive.
Aromatic lift
Peony & rose
Early drinking
Champagne
Yes, there's a vineyard called Champagne in Fleurie. Highest elevation parcel (350m) with 80+ year old vines. The most structured and age-worthy Dutraive wine—powerful yet retaining the signature elegance.
80+ years
Structured
Age-worthy
Chapelle des Bois
Adjacent to forest, giving remarkable freshness and cool-climate character. 70-90 year old vines. Often the most "Burgundian" of the cuvées—mineral, precise, with incredible tension.
70-90 years
Cool climate
Mineral tension
The Portfolio
Fleurie Tradition
From 40-60 year old vines across multiple parcels. The most approachable Dutraive wine—pure, joyful, and immediately drinkable. Shows the classic Dutraive finesse: whole bunch carbonic, native yeasts, minimal sulfur.
Approachable
Pure & joyful
Glou-glou
Fleurie Vieilles Vignes
From the oldest parcels—60-100+ year old vines. More structure, more depth, more complexity. Aged longer in used barrels (5-15 years old). The serious side of Dutraive, capable of aging 10-15 years.
Extended aging
Cellar potential
Complex & deep
Champagne J-P Dutraive
Jean-Philippe's Champagne project based in Brouilly. Traditional method sparkling from purchased organic/biodynamic grapes. Native yeast fermentation, minimal sulfur, hand-disgorged. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with the Dutraive touch.
Organic grapes
Hand disgorged
Minimal SO2
The Godfather of Fleurie
Jean-Louis Dutraive is more than a winemaker—he's a philosopher, a mentor, and the spiritual leader of natural Beaujolais. His infectious enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to biodynamics have influenced a generation of winemakers. From his early days selling to the cooperative to becoming the most sought-after name in Fleurie, Jean-Louis has never compromised.
Today, with the fourth generation fully engaged, Domaine de la Grand'Cour stands as a beacon of what's possible when family, tradition, and biodynamic principles align. These are wines of finesse, purity, and unmistakable terroir—the benchmark for Fleurie and a testament to four decades of natural winemaking.
- Founded 1969 by Jean Dutraive
- Jean-Louis took over 1977
- First bottled vintage 1997
- 15 hectares in Fleurie
- 4th generation: Jean-Philippe, Ophélie, Solenne, Charlotte
- Ecocert biodynamic certified
- 60-100+ year old vines
- Clos de la Grand'Cour monopole
- 5 climats: Clos, Colettes, Champagne, Chapelle des Bois
- Whole bunch carbonic
- 15-25 day fermentation
- Old barrels only (5-15 years)
- 10-20 mg/L SO2 maximum
- Champagne project: J-P Dutraive
- The "Godfather" of natural Fleurie