Behind every bottle of wine we sell is the story of the winemakers who put it together. In a place like Burgundy, these stories often reach far back into the past, to a time when all winemakers had to guide them was sight, smell, and taste, and the traditions passed on to them by their predecessors.

Beyond the simple pleasure of a great bottle of Burgundy lies the joy of connecting with that rich history every time we pop the cork.

In celebration of the winemakers that make our world possible, we shine this month’s spotlight on…

Domaine Marchand-Grillot

Nestled in the heart of the Côte de Nuits, the best way to describe Domaine Marchand-Grillot is as a family affair. At the helm is Jacques Marchand, who took over from his parents Michel Marchand and Colette Grillot in 1975, and his children, Etienne, in charge of winemaking, and Marion, who runs the administrative side.

The Marchand roots in the region stretch back six generations, over which time the the domaine’s winemaking philosophy has essentially remained the same; To make wines that are a pleasure to enjoy with family and friends, far from the dictates and pretensions of the profession.

Unpretentious stuff, motivated by a simple love of good wine and good company. But don’t let that attitude fool you; the wines of Marchand-Grillot are simply extraordinary.

The Vines

The vineyards of the Domaine Marchand-Grillot add up to 30 acres spread across 5 villages in the Cote de Nuits.

Like many of Burgundy’s newer generations, the Marchand-Grillot family has adopted a strictly sustainable approach to farming with an eye to producing wines more reflective of the terroir with fewer additives, and preserving the estate for generations to come. Chemical additions to the soil have been avoided for over 20 years, which puts them in line with the low-intervention camp of winemakers - no additives, and no synthetic pesticides or herbicides.

In the fall, harvest is carried out by the family with the help of an experienced team of local grape pickers. Harvest is, of course, done by hand, and grapes are rigorously sorted to ensure that only ripe and healthy grapes make it into the wine.

Making the Wine

Following a week of cold maceration, fermentation of the grape must begins spontaneously thanks to the indigenous yeasts present on the grapes and in the air.

Through the vinification process, only two techniques are used to extract color and flavor from the grape must: pigeage (punching down the grapes that have risen to the surface of the tank) and remontage (pumping up wine from the bottom of the tank and pouring it over the top of the grape must).

Carried out under the supervision of Etienne, these are gentle processes that extract remarkably subtle flavors from the wine. Beyond these two techniques, no artificial additives are introduced into the vats.

This approach allows the natural flavors of the grapes to shine through and creates wines highly reflective of the terroir in which they originate.

After vinification, the wine is poured into barrels made by local coopers and aged in the domaine’s cellars for up to 18 months.

The Wine

With vineyards spread across many different villages, Domaine Marchand-Grillot produces wines under three different appellations: Gevrey-Chambertin, Chambolle-Musigny, and Morey-Saint-Denis.

While all these wines show the same level of care and dedication that the family is known for, the bulk of their vineyards are clustered around the village of Gevrey-Chambertin, and it is here that the domaine has earned its reputation.

Amidst these are the highly sought-after Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru, two Premier Crus and several individually identified (lieux-dits) village vineyards.

Traditionally known for robust and full-bodied wines, Gevrey-Chambertin reveals a more delicate and approachable side through Etienne's gentle and precise winemaking techniques, and the more modern minimalist styles the domaine is known for.

Aromas hover around fruity and floral notes of strawberry, violet, and rose, alongside spicy licorice, woody underbrush, and gamey notes of fur and leather. The wine is gentle and full-bodied, with soft but significant tannins, a delicate texture, and a deliciously long finish.

Crafting Wines for Generations to Come

A living embodiment of the generational transfer of knowledge, the Marchand-Grillot family has always strived to produce wines that marry the best of tradition and modernity, respecting the delicate nature of Pinot Noir and the influence of the local terroir.

This approach translates into exactly that: elegant and delicious red wines that perfectly encapsulate the femininity and expressiveness of the Côte de Nuits, and just as importantly, healthy and robust vineyards that will be able to stand the test of time.