Domaine Décrenisse, Côteaux du Lyonnais, France
Surrounding the culinary capital of Lyon lies a virtually unknown wine region: the Côteaux du Lyonnais. Officially part of Beaujolais, winemaker Franck Décrenisse views it as the northernmost Rhône region — due to its gravel and schist soils, which are identical to the Northern Rhône.
Steep slopes, dense planting
17 hectares of vineyards on steep slopes near the village of Chasselay (Mont d'Or, just north of Lyon). 10,000 vines per hectare — fewer grapes per vine, higher quality. Cultivated by hand. HVE3 certified, member of Terra Vitis. Biodiversity: hedgerows, stone walls, trees. Franck has managed the estate (approx. 17 ha) since 1993; his parents started in 1980.
Chardonnay and Gamay
Special feature: here you will find both Rhône varieties (Viognier, Syrah) and Burgundian ones (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gamay). Décrenisse does not produce his Gamay using the carbonic maceration method (like classic Beaujolais), but in a Burgundian style.
Décrenisse wines at Lekker Sapje
- Chardonnay Champ de Lorge — full of character, ripe apple and pear, Burgundian allure at a friendly price. Now until 2029+.
- Gamay Châteuvieux — juicy, generous, fleshy, plenty of strawberry. Now until 2030.