Yvon Metras

In a small French commune in 1989, a wine journey began that aimed to turn back time. Yvon Métras took over the family estate in Fleurie and joined the "disciples" of Jules Chauvet, a scientist and advocate of the natural wine movement originating in Beaujolais. Initially condemned by a mentor, Yvon Metras now stands for innovative, sustainable winemaking, producing outstanding Gamays of worldwide renown and looking back on a history of passion and innovation.

By abstaining from modern corrections, laboratory yeasts, and added sulfur, he creates expressive natural wines that reflect the terroir in its purest form. A winemaker who not only produces one of the best Gamays in the region but also continues the legacy of natural wine.

On the 5 hectares of vineyards in Fleurie ("Grille midi," "La Madonne"), Yvon Métras practices sustainable and organic farming without the use of pesticides and chemical aids. The precise and short pruning of the vines significantly reduces yields, allowing the grapes to reflect the terroir authentically.

The plowing of the steep granite slopes, a laborious task, led to the abandonment and fallow state of many vineyards. It required the pioneering spirit of innovative individuals who recognized and wanted to harness the untapped potential of this region. Yvon's unsulfured Gamay grapes, initially challenging to market, ultimately found their breakthrough in 1994. His flagship wines, such as "Ultime" and "Fleurie Printemps," serve as vivid examples of this wine metamorphosis. The oldest vines of the estate were planted as early as 1898, and since then, Yvon has refined the art of winemaking.

His wines, characterized by a dark color, generous fruitiness, fleshiness, and subtle notes of tobacco, pepper, sensuality, and velvet, vary in their concentration and length. Yvon opts for a month-long maceration. The unmistakable hallmark of Metras wines? Incredible breed and elegance.