HISTORY OF DOMAINE: The Granger family has been involved in the production of grapes and the making of wine from father to son for over 200 years. Originally from the village of Chenas, for the last century the Grangers have lived and worked in Julienas. Pascal Granger, born in 1961, is now the owner and winemaker and guiding spirit behind the domaine.

COMPOSITION OF DOMAINE: The Granger estate encompasses approximately 10.5 hectares of vineyards, re 8 of which are within the appellation of Julienas. The domaine's principal holdings are found in the lieu-dits of Croix Rouge, Fouillasses, Gonnards, and Mouilles. The oldest of the vines (45 to 90 years of age) are situated within Gonnards and Mouilles.

In addition, a small amount of Chenas is made from a 1/2 hectare parcel, and from another one hectare parcel within the commune of Chenas, Granger vinifies a Moulin A Vent. Finally, there is a small amount of Beaujolais Villages from a 1/2 hectare vineyard situated in the neighboring commune of Jullie.

METHOD OF VINIFICATION: Harvest is done manually and usually begins in Chenas where one finds the most precocious vines. The fruit goes into cuve and the temperature rises to 35 to 38 degrees Celsius for 8 to 10 days. Then the fruit is pressed, the temperature descends to 20 degrees C. to maximize the aromatics. The basic cuvee of Julienas is racked into stainless steel and bottled in March of the year following harvest. The finest product of the old vines parcels is selected and racked into a combination of large and small oak barrels where it completes the elevage. From this elite cuvee a further selection is made to separate the wine destined to be the "Grande Reserve" from the cuvee designated "Cuvee Speciale". The Grande Reserve remains in small oak barrels for two years prior to being bottled without filtration.