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Domaine Manoir du Carra is located in the small town of Denice, south of Burgundy and in the heart of the Beaujolais area. The property dates back to 1850, and has been bequeathed from father to son for five generations. It is now owned by Jean-Noël Sambardier and his wife.
The philosophy of the family has always been based on the practice of a viticulture attentive to and respectful of the environment.The working methods employed are simple, effective and adapted as wine making methods which respect the tradition, without neglecting the interest of certain technological advances.
In 1918, Jean-Marie Sambardier enters the field as a worker at the winery. Assisted by his son John, they endeavor to develop all the vineyard.
In 1962, Jean Sambardier decides to buy the entire farm to start his own production and diversify appellations. The purchase is done in "viager" - a system of payment where the buyer usually pays about 30% up front and then a monthly fee until the death of the seller.
In 1972, Jean-Noël Sambardier returns to the field determined to continue the tradition while developing the business. Frederic, his eldest son, joins him in 1999 after a strong and rewarding experience of wine making and distributing in the United States. The other brother, Damien, joined them in 2000, after having made many great wines at Domaine Laroche in Chablis.
Measuring four hectares (about 10 acres) in 1962, the area of the vineyard is now about 34 hectares (84 aces) and is home to different appellations. Beaujolais, Beaujolais-Villages, Brouilly, Julienas, Moulin à Vent, Fleurie and Beaujolais Blanc now provide the reputation and fame of the estate well beyond its borders.
A shared family passion from father to son, each member of the Sambardier family knew, over the generations, that each would bring his touch, experience and expertise to shape the character of the wines produced at the property. Today, it is with an eye to the future that Frederic and Damien Sambardier work to develop the estate.
At Manoir du Carra, they are convinced that an understanding of the vine, in respect to biodiversity and natural balance, is essential to preserve the soil and better respect the environment. Their goal is vines that are self-sufficient in their environment.
Proud of an ancestral tradition, Manoir du Carra is committed to harvesting all plots by hand. Manual harvesting may cost more, but, in terms of quality, the results are incomparable. After harvesting and sorting, the grapes are then sent to tanks for 4-18 days of fermentation, depending on the type of wine desired. Winemaking is conducted without the addition of sulfur and with meticulous temperature control.
30 hectares (74.10 acres) total, divided along the North-South axis between Beaujolais A.O.C (10 ha= 24.70 acres) and Beaujolais-Villages A.O.C. (20 ha=49.40 acres). The Sambardiers own 50 vineyard plots. The vines are 50-100 years old. Yields are 55 hl/ha.
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Redolent of strawberries and roses, fragrant and medium bodied. Refreshing, tart finish.
folder Click Here for List of Downloadable Documents.
| Item Number | Unit | Units/Case | Type | UPC - bottle | SCC - case | SRP/Unit |
| F0EE201048GYS | 750ml | 12 | Glass | 7 84585 00308 2 | 1 07 84585 00308 9 | $16.99 |
The 2017 vintage:
The initial harvest date has been set this year by the “Ban des Vendanges” on August 28th 2017. (This date gives an indication of the approximate start date of the harvest).
2017 is indeed an early year such as 2009, 2011 and 2015.
We started harvesting at Manoir du Carra on August 24th.
In terms of weather conditions, 2017 vintage was full or surprises. Two powerful hailstorms hit the north of the vineyard. They unfortunately destroyed a vast majority of our Fleurie and Moulin à Vent crops.
This year has been particularly dry. There has been almost no rain between the flowering and the harvest periods, almost three months. In some areas, vines have suffered from water stress, this water shortage dried the grapes. Luckily, heavy rains fell during one day at the beginning of the harvest, which made the rehydration of some very water-demanding parcels possible. A year of drought has nevertheless its advantages. Grapes are very healthy, they do not have any rot. A very high quality crop is put in the vats. Maturation went very fast, due to high temperatures and permanent sunshine.
From a qualitative point of view, 2017 vintage will be excellent, with the right balance between sugar and acidity. It will be rather concentrated, with some fruits and freshness.
Average age of the vines: 30 years old (between 20 and 60 years old). Skin contact maceration: between 2 and 5 days depending on the parcels.
Beaujolais-Nouveau has been very popular with almost every Thanksgiving dish - from turkey to ham, green beans to mashed potatoes, and gravy to cranberry sauce.
