Domaine Chandon de Briailles winery
Domaine Chandon de Briailles is a historic, family-owned wine estate located in the heart of Burgundy, between the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits. The estate has been in the same family since 1834 and is currently managed by Claude and François de Nicolay, the eighth generation to oversee the domaine. The estate’s philosophy centers on respect for nature, tradition, and authenticity, with a strong commitment to organic and biodynamic farming practices. Certified organic since 2008 and biodynamic since 2011, the domaine is dedicated to producing wines that express the unique terroirs of their prestigious appellations.
The estate covers 13.7 hectares, with vineyards situated in some of Burgundy’s most celebrated villages, including Savigny-lès-Beaune, Pernand-Vergelesses, and Aloxe-Corton. Their holdings include several Premier Cru and Grand Cru parcels, such as Corton-Charlemagne, Corton Bressandes, Corton Clos du Roi, and Corton Maréchaudes. The diversity of their vineyard sites allows the domaine to produce a range of wines, both red and white, each reflecting the distinct characteristics of their origin.
In the vineyard, Chandon de Briailles employs meticulous, hands-on viticulture. All work is performed according to biodynamic principles, using preparations and natural treatments to enhance soil health and vine vitality. The team follows the lunar calendar for key tasks, such as pruning, harvesting, and bottling. The use of herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic chemicals is strictly avoided. Instead, the estate relies on plowing, cover crops, and manual labor to maintain healthy vines and promote biodiversity.
Harvesting is done entirely by hand, with careful selection of grapes to ensure optimal ripeness and quality. In the winery, the approach is gentle and traditional. Red wines are typically made with a significant proportion of whole bunches, depending on the vintage and parcel, to preserve freshness and aromatic complexity. Fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts, and extraction is achieved through gentle pigeage and remontage. Wines are aged in French oak barrels, with a restrained use of new wood to avoid masking the expression of terroir. White wines are pressed directly and fermented in barrel, undergoing regular bâtonnage to enhance texture and complexity.
Domaine Chandon de Briailles produces a focused selection of wines that showcase the elegance, purity, and finesse of Burgundy. Their reds, primarily Pinot Noir, display vibrant fruit, fine tannins, and remarkable aging potential, while their whites, made from Chardonnay, are noted for their minerality, precision, and depth. Key cuvées include Savigny-lès-Beaune Premier Cru Aux Fourneaux, Pernand-Vergelesses Premier Cru Île des Vergelesses, and several expressions from the Corton hill, including Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru.
Committed to sustainability, the domaine continues to innovate while honoring tradition. Their dedication to organic and biodynamic viticulture, combined with a deep respect for the land and its history, results in wines that are both authentic and expressive. Visitors to the estate can arrange tastings by appointment, experiencing firsthand the unique character and quality that define Chandon de Briailles. The domaine’s wines are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide, celebrated for their balance, complexity, and sense of place.