Georges Descombes: A Pillar of Natural Winemaking in Beaujolais

Georges Descombes, often regarded as the unofficial fifth member of the "Gang of Four" in Beaujolais, has made a significant impact with his natural winemaking approach. Located in Villié-Morgon, Georges Descombes has been a key figure in promoting organic and low-intervention winemaking practices in the region.

Background and Philosophy
Georges started his journey in winemaking working alongside his father and at a local bottling company. His turning point came when he tasted a wine made by Marcel Lapierre, which inspired him to pursue a similar path of natural winemaking. In 1988, Georges took over his family's estate and began implementing organic practices. Although he was certified by Ecocert for many years, he now practices organic farming without certification, focusing on minimal intervention and the purity of the wine.

Vineyards and Winemaking Practices
Georges Descombes manages approximately 15.5 hectares of vineyards spread across five AOCs: Morgon, Brouilly, Régnié, Chiroubles, and Beaujolais-Villages. His vineyards are worked organically, and he uses a traditional semi-carbonic maceration process for fermentation. The wines are fermented with ambient yeasts, and a tiny amount of sulfur is added only at bottling. Descombes believes in the benefits of aging his wines, often releasing them up to a year later than his peers, particularly for his old vine cuvées.