A family heritage of passion and history
In the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise, the history of Domaine de Villaine is rooted in a terroir shaped centuries ago by the monks of the Abbey of Cluny. These pioneers of the Middle Ages were the first to cultivate vines in the region, laying the foundations for a know-how that respects the soil and the living world, a precious heritage that still irrigates every row of vines today.
It was against this backdrop steeped in history thatAubert de Villaine, co-director of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, settled in Bouzeron in the early 1970s with his wife Pamela. Driven by the desire to revive a neglected grape variety, thegolden Aligoté, they carefully selected the most promising plots and set to work. Their patient, passionate work rehabilitated this grape variety, culminating in 1997 in the creation of the Bouzeron appellation, the only one in Burgundy dedicated exclusively to Aligoté doré.
In 2001, Pierre de Benoist, Aubert's nephew, took up the torch. Faithful to the family spirit, he developed the wine estate by exploring new terroirs such as Mercurey, Rully and Saint-Aubin, while preserving a viticulture that respects nature and the soil, close to biodynamic viticulture.
A philosophy rooted in respect for the living world
At Domaine de Villaine, the vine is not just a plant to be cultivated, but a living being that is an integral part of its environment. Aubert de Villaine and Pierre de Benoist share the same conviction: to reveal the soul of a terroir, we must first respect the fragile balance that links the earth, the vines and man.
That's why our wine estates practice organic viticulture , close to biodynamics, without excessive intervention. The work in the vineyard is meticulous and punctuated by natural cycles, favoring biodiversity and soil health. Every intervention is aimed at reinforcing this essential harmony to produce grapes of great purity, which are harvested by hand.
Fermentation takes place in open vats or barrels, often with indigenous yeasts, without the addition of commercial yeasts, to allow the natural signature of the terroir to express itself fully.
Extraction is gentle, with no aggressive maceration or over-ripening. Controlled contact with the skins preserves freshness and finesse, rather than seeking raw power. Malolactic fermentation is often carried out naturally, contributing to the wines' roundness and balance. Ageing takes place mainly in oak barrels, often old ones, to add structure without overpowering the aromas. This long, patient stage is essential for refining texture and integrating wood gently, while respecting the unique character of each parcel.
This philosophy of patience and rigor gives birth to vibrant, delicate and deep wines, which authentically tell the story of the Côte Chalonnaise terroir.
Diversity at the service of expression
Domaine de Villaine draws its richness from the diversity of its terroirs, typical of the Côte Chalonnaise, where each parcel tells a unique story. In the village of Bouzeron, clay-limestone soils mixed with marl provide the perfect backdrop for golden Aligoté, which displays all its mineral freshness and finesse.
The wine estate also extends into the neighboring appellations of Mercurey, Rully, Santenay and Saint-Aubin, where Pinot Noir and Chardonnay find varied soils combining clay, limestone and marl, and reveal their finest nuances.
The mosaic of plots, including several in Premier Cru, results in remarkable aromatic richness and complexity.
A signature of tradition and elegance
At Domaine de Villaine, each cuvée embodies the philosophy of precise, respectful cultivation of a terroir several hundred years old.
In reds, the Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaisewines La Digoine and La Fortune illustrate the finesse and freshness of the Pinot Noir so typical of the region. In Mercurey, the cuvée Les Montots displays all the power and density of Pinot Noir, supported by a rare elegance and intense fruit, true to the assertive character of this cru.
As for the whites, Bouzeron stands out for its crystalline purity and liveliness, breaking with preconceived ideas that once relegated golden Aligoté to a secondary role.
Rully 1er Cru Grésigny, Rabourcé, Les Margotés and Montpalais offer a palette of rich, nuanced expressions of Chardonnay, while Rully 1er Cru Champs Cloux and Cloux embody the delicacy and complexity of Pinot Noir on this exceptional terroir.
Finally, Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Les Perrières, with its chiselled minerality and delicate balance, is a Chardonnay worthy of the great Burgundy expressions.
At Domaine de Villaine, each vintage is a tribute to the land of Bouzeron, bearing witness to a history that only a passionate family can write with such rigor and humility. Here, the golden Aligoté rediscovers its letters of nobility, and the terroirs of the Côte Chalonnaise express themselves with a clarity rarely equaled. An invitation to savor wines imbued with racy elegance, a faithful reflection of a deeply respected terroir.
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