Raphaël Beysang — Natural Wine from Beaujolais to the Vosges
Two regions, one vision: pure, honest wine.
Raphaël Beysang is a natural winemaker with two deeply personal projects—one in southern Beaujolais with partner Emelie Hurtubise, and another high in the Vosges mountains under his solo label, Domaine Éloyes. Both share the same philosophy: organic farming, zero additives, and wines that reflect the place they come from.
Beaujolais: The Sud Bojo Movement
In 2017, Raphaël and Emelie settled in Saint-Germain-en-Nuelles, in the southern Beaujolais hills. They farm eight hectares of Gamay organically, using herbal teas and biodynamic practices to care for the vines.
In the cellar, it's all about minimal intervention: native yeasts, no fining or filtration, and no added sulfites. Reds undergo whole-bunch maceration for three weeks, then age in large wooden foudres. The result? Lively, fruit-driven, sun-kissed wines that are bottled in litres and made for sharing.
As key members of Team Sud Bojo, a collective of like-minded vignerons, they’re helping reshape the identity of this historic region—one bottle at a time.
Vosges: Domaine Éloyes
In 2019, Raphaël launched Domaine Éloyes, a bold project in Éloyes, Lorraine—an area more known for forests than vineyards. Alongside his partner Émilie Lebois, he farms 1.5 hectares at 400–500m altitude, where cool temperatures and granite soils bring freshness and energy to the wines.
Grapes include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, and Auxerrois, with vines up to 50 years old. The vineyard is certified organic, farmed biodynamically, and harvested by hand.
Wines are made with native yeasts, no fining, no filtration, and zero added sulfites. Reds are often carbonic; whites sometimes get skin contact. Aging takes place in steel, neutral oak, or amphorae.
Small Production, Big Character
Raphaël’s cuvées—like P’tit Rouge, P’tit Blanc, his Gewürztraminer Orange, and Auxerrois Pet Nat—are vibrant, low in alcohol (10–12%), and full of personality. Each bottle is made in tiny quantities and highly sought after in natural wine circles across Europe.
Where to Find Raphaël Beysang & Émélie Hurtubise Wines
Online Retailers (Global & EU Focus)
International Retailers & Distributors (Examples & General Tips)
- **United States (Key Importers/Retailers):**
- **Zev Rovine Selections (US Importer):** A highly regarded importer of natural wines in the US. Their network distributes to various states, so contact local natural wine shops working with ZRS.
- **Percy Selections (US Importer):** Also imports their wines. Check their website (percyselections.com) for their distribution network.
- **Thirst Merchants (Online, US):** Has frequently listed various Raphaël Beysang cuvées, including "Nouveau," "Ernest," and "J'Aime JM."
- **MYSA Natural Wine (Online, US):** A prominent online natural wine retailer that often stocks their wines.
- *Contact top-tier independent wine shops in major US cities (e.g., NYC, LA, SF, Chicago) that specialize in natural wines or Beaujolais. They are the most likely to carry or be able to source these wines via their importers.*
- **France (Direct & Retailers):**
- **Winery Direct Sales (by Appointment):** As a small, artisanal producer, it may be possible to visit Raphaël and Émélie in Saint-Germain-Nuelles (Beaujolais) by appointment. Direct contact via social media or through their importers might facilitate this.
- **Specialized Cavistes & Wine Bars:** Look for "cavistes" (wine shops) in Paris, Lyon, and throughout Beaujolais that specialize in natural wines. They will be primary outlets.
- **United Kingdom:**
- **Wright's Wines (Online & Importer):** As mentioned, they are a direct source in the UK.
- **RAW WINE Fair UK:** Raphaël Beysang and Émélie Hurtubise have participated in RAW WINE, indicating a strong presence or interest in the UK market.
- **Forest Wines (UK Online Retailer):** A natural wine specialist that often stocks exciting French natural producers.
- **Buon Vino (UK Online Retailer):** A well-regarded UK merchant for natural and organic wines.
- *Contact independent wine merchants in London and other major cities who emphasize natural and biodynamic Beaujolais wines.*
- **Australia:**
- **Campbell Burton Wines (Importer):** Directly imports Raphaël Beysang & Émélie Hurtubise wines into Australia. Australian retailers will source through them.
- **Canada:**
- Émélie is from Quebec, so there might be specific importers or retailers in Canada. Look for natural wine importers in major Canadian cities.
- **General Tips:**
- **Limited Production:** As small-scale, highly sought-after producers, their wines are released in limited quantities and can sell out very quickly.
- **Join Mailing Lists:** Sign up for newsletters from specialized natural wine retailers and importers to be notified of new arrivals.
- **"Zero-Zero" Philosophy:** Their commitment to no-sulfur, no-fining, no-filtration winemaking makes them a target for shops focusing on the purest expression of natural wines.
- **Litre & Magnum Formats:** Many of their wines are bottled in 1-liter bottles or magnums, which is a distinctive characteristic.
Winery Information & General Profile
- **"Nouveau Litre":** A fresh, juicy, easy-drinking Beaujolais Nouveau style.
- **"Ernest":** A cuvée named after their son, balanced with sun-kissed fruit and texture.
- **"Paltières":** From a single site with limestone soils, offering more structure.
- **"J'aime JM":** A collaboration with Jean-Marc Dreyer, often a blend with an Alsatian component.
- **"Acacia":** Often a vibrant Gamay rosé.
- **"Noah":** Another Gamay cuvée.
- **"Vulvecania":** A natural sparkling Gamay (Pét-Nat).
