Joseph Drouhin

Joseph Drouhin domaine is one of the largest estates in the region. It owns vineyards in all of Burgundy: Chablis , Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise . It is comprised of a majority of Premier and Grand Crus. The Domaine was put together through the years, thanks to judicious purchases and agreements between families. Some vineyards are among the most famous in Burgundy.

For some village or regional appellations, Joseph Drouhin complements its supplies by purchasing grapes from other vineyard owners who have been long time partners and share the same quest of excellence.

Terroir

Vineyard located in the Beaune area, above the city of Beaune. The appellation Côte de Beaune is given to wines coming from vineyards located on top of the hill overlooking the city of Beaune. It should not be confused with the appellation Côte de Beaune-Villages, the latter given to wines coming from several villages of the Côte de Beaune (but not Beaune itself) and blended together. Côte de Beaune-Villages as an appellation is used only for red wines.

This interesting and unusual wine comes from the estate of Joseph Drouhin on the Côte de Beaune (the slope above Beaune) and some declassified wine from the young vines of the famous Clos des Mouches vineyard. Soil is lay and limestone. The light soil gives great finesse to the wines.

Vinification

Harvesting by hand, in small open crates in order to preserve the integrity of the fruit. Sorting if necessary, the grapes are sorted twice : once when being picked, the second time on the sorting table at the winery. Pressing very slow so as to respect fruit. Juices from the very last pressings are not retained. The wine goes directly into barrels after "débourbage" (decanting of white wine to reduce sediment). Ageing in barrels (20% in new oak). Length: 12 months.