Singulars: For May, Vive le Beaujolais.

Hybrid, convivial and inventive,Habile.is a committed eco-table, acollection of ethical clothing, and a cellar dedicated to the winemakers of tomorrow.Thomas Clouetwho organises it offers, in step with the monthly menu changes by chef Eric Fontanini, his latest discoveries and personal favourites.

This May, he has chosen to tell us about the values behind two organic cuvées from Domaine Jean-Claude Lapalu:Ce Blanc, 2022 andEau Forte, 2021.

One of our favourite winemakers, Jean Claude Lapalu.

First, let's start with a brief introduction:

At the helm of just over 12 hectares of vines, he is based in Saint-Etienne-la-Varenne at the foot of Mont Brouilly. In the heart of Beaujolais, he works without chemicals — on the vines, the soils and in the cellar.
In short, he respects nature and his terroirs!!!!

And the best part is that year after year, he rewards us with superb wines, with CONSISTENCY!!!!

"Ce Blanc", 2022 from Domaine Jean-Claude Lapaluselected by Thomas Habile Photo Camille Andrieux

"This May, we are delighted to add to our wine list his white cuvée, simply called «Ce Blanc» in 2022, a 100% Chardonnay (which has nothing to envy from Burgundy whites, at a considerably more affordable price…) with aromas of white fruits, a generous wine of great freshness." Thomas

This cuvée will pair beautifully with our Normandy trout tartare, celeriac, confit shallots & trout roe, or our stuffed yellow poulette, potato cake and morel cream.

"We are also lucky enough to have an emblematic cuvée from his estate, «Eau Forte» in 2021." Thomas

A 100% Gamay from 45-year-old vines planted on granite soils, on the lieu-dit Les Quatre Croix.

Eau Forte, 2021, from Domaine Jean-Claude Lapaluselected by Thomas Habile Photo Camille Andrieux

"This wine is a jewel of elegance and finesse, with its notes of red berries and florals." Thomas

An easy-drinking red (the name says it all) that we recommend with one of our charcuterie boards to start a meal, or for an afternoon break around 4pm with our Croque Monsieur with tomme de Bray and Burgundy ham, or our pork, vegetable and pistachio pâté en croûte.

"We champion this winemaker because he reflects our values — the exacting standards, rigour and quality we seek for our establishment, whether in the food, the quality of the clothing, the welcome or the well-being of our guests." Thomas

To conclude

We increasingly enjoy working with Beaujolais winemakers, because it is a magnificent wine region that has been thoroughly undermined by certain "producers" (we won't name names, but I'm sure a few come to mind…) driven more by greed than by the pleasure of making great wines… when in fact it is surely one of the most beautiful wine regions in France, home to exceptional winemakers — and we at Habile firmly believe Jean-Claude Lapalu is one of them!!!!!

So come and discover, taste — in moderation or not — all day and well into the night, Tuesday to Saturday, on the corner of rue Lancry and rue du Château d'eau.

#Thomas Clouet, sommelier at Habile

The article can be foundhere.