Domaine de la Grand Cour dates back to 1969 and is one of the oldest in the village of Fleurie. Jean-Louis Dutraive joined his father Jean in 1977. By 1989, Jean-Louis took full control of operations at the domaine. The heart of the property are the lieux-dits of Clos de la Grand Cour, Chapelle des Bois and Champagne, which make up a total of 9 hectares of vines in Fleurie, surrounding the house and cellars. The average age of the vines are around 40-50 years, with several around 70 years old.

Jean-Louis is a devout practitioner of organic viticulture and the property has been certified by ECOCERT since 2009, though was practicing organic for many years before that. Harvest at Dutraive is done by hand and grapes are immediately placed in tank at low temperatures to begin carbonic maceration (without sulfur). The wines ferment naturally with indigenous yeasts. They age in the cellar for a period of 6-15 months, depending on the cuvée. Elevage typically occurs in used burgundy barrels, although Jean-Louis also uses Foudre for some of the cuvees. Minimal S02 is added during the élévage. And in general, no fining and filtration is used unless absolutely required.

Domaine de la Grand’Cour is truly an exciting winery, which over the last few years has developed a cult following. Crafting exceptional wines of depth, finesse and ageability, Jean-Louis Dutraive deserves his place at the top of the ranks in Fleurie.