Domaine des Braves

Nestled in a hamlet between Beaujeau and Belle-ville, Domaine des Braves spans 16 hectares of vineyards. Situated in the heart of the Régnié cru, the youngest Beaujolais appellation, this charming estate benefits from an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) that has been in place for about thirty years. This designation sets it apart from regional AOCs with its unique typicity and high-quality terroir.

Where does the estate sit and what does it grow?

A Distinctive Location

Winemaker Franck Cinquin cultivates two grape varieties here: Gamay and Chardonnay. These emblematic varieties of the Beaujolais region thrive on this exceptional terroir. Gamay, the king of the region’s grapes, is grown at 300 meters above sea level on pink granite plateaus, fully exposed to the south. These ideal conditions ensure perfectly ripe grapes that retain freshness and respect the terroir's finesse.

What wines does the domaine make?

Fruity and Elegant Wines

Domaine des Braves produces 50,000 bottles annually, including Régnié (one of the ten Beaujolais crus), Coteaux Bourguignons for its white wines, and Beaujolais Villages Nouveau as a primeur wine. Franck Cinquin, also a vineyard nurseryman, understands the needs of his plots and cultivates his vines with an environmentally respectful approach.

The estate crafts round and fruity wines that are highly representative of the Beaujolais terroir. The Régnié cru, the estate's flagship wine, restores Gamay to its full glory with smooth, fruity cuvées that offer both freshness and finesse. While enjoyable in their youth, these wines reveal even more depth after a few years of aging.

What is the story of the family behind the estate?

A Family Legacy

As the oldest historical building in the hamlet, Domaine des Braves has been around for over 240 years! Since 1903, it has been owned by the Cinquin family and has developed through the years and generations.

A true family legacy, the current winemaker, Franck Cinquin, is the fifth generation to work on the estate. After his viticulture studies, Franck began working on the estate, marking his first vintage and most cherished winemaking memory in 1988. Since then, he has upheld the family tradition by carefully producing Régnié wines and expanding the estate by acquiring new plots starting in 1990. A nature enthusiast, Franck works in harmony with it to produce increasingly high-quality wines. As Franck Cinquin often says,

Making wine is both an art and a science!

Frequently asked questions about Domaine des Braves

Where is Domaine des Braves located?

The estate sits in the Beaujolais, in a hamlet between the villages of Beaujeu and Belleville. Its 16 hectares lie on the pink granite plateaus of the Régnié cru, at around 300 metres above sea level.

Who is the winemaker behind the estate?

Franck Cinquin is the fifth generation of his family to work these vines, held since 1903. Trained as a vine nurseryman, he made his first vintage in 1988 and has been expanding the vineyard since 1990.

Which grape varieties are grown here?

The vineyard is split between two varieties. Gamay, the star of the Beaujolais, is planted south-facing on pink granite, while Chardonnay rounds out the plantings and goes into the Coteaux Bourguignons whites.

What is the Régnié appellation?

Régnié is the youngest of the ten Beaujolais crus, granted AOC status about thirty years ago. Its pink granite soils bring finesse and character to the Gamay-based reds.

What style are the wines, and should they be aged?

The wines combine roundness and fruit with a fresh finish you can enjoy in their early years. The Régnié, the estate's signature cuvée, reveals more depth as it spends time in the bottle.