Singulars: For May, Long Live Beaujolais.

Hybrid, convivial and inventive, Habile. is a committed eco-table, an ethical clothing collection, and a wine cellar dedicated to the winemakers of tomorrow. Thomas Clouet, who organises it, shares his latest discoveries and favourites in step with chef Eric Fontanini's monthly menu changes.

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

One of our favourite winemakers, Jean Claude Lapalu.

First, 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 Lapalu selected 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 holds its own against white Burgundies at a much more accessible price…) with aromas of white fruit — a generous, wonderfully fresh wine." 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're also lucky to have one of his domain's iconic cuvées, « 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 Lapalu selected 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 wine (the name says it all) that we recommend with one of our charcuterie boards to start a meal, for an afternoon break around 4pm with our Croque Monsieur with tomme de Bray and jambon de Bourgogne, 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 love working with Beaujolais winemakers because it is a magnificent wine region that has been completely undermined by certain « winemakers » (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 certainly one of the most beautiful wine regions in France, home to exceptional producers — and we at Habile believe Jean-Claude Lapalu is very much 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 found here.