Portraits of winemakers

GÉRARD DOREAU, A TIMELESS DOMAINE IN BURGUNDY

318 Views Posted on: 2024-05-31
 

Gérard Doreau: A Timeless Estate in Burgundy

The story of the Doreau family in Burgundy began in the 19th century, shortly after the phylloxera disaster. Pierre Doreau came to help replant the destroyed vines and, in the process, acquired the estate's first parcels. Since then, the estate has been passed down from father to son, expanding and modernizing while respecting family traditions. Located south of Beaune, in Côte-d'Or, beyond Pommard and Volnay, this family vineyard produces exceptional Burgundy wines each year. Their offerings include reds (Monthelie, Monthelie 1er Cru, Pommard, and Pommard 1er Cru) and whites (Monthelie, Meursault, Saint-Romain, Bourgogne Côte-d'Or, and Bourgogne Aligoté). Today, it is Jérôme and Emilie, the latest generation, who continue the legacy of the estate.

Through Trends and Vintage After Vintage

The wines produced by the estate are authentic, crafted artisanal style in accordance with ancestral traditions, and remain unaffected by trends. The estate's goal is to create wines that reflect the terroirs of each appellation, serving as a mirror of the land's fruit rather than consumer expectations. However, respecting tradition does not mean repeating habits! Jérôme, at 25, has always assisted his parents in the vineyards and now manages the estate. What drives him within this tradition is that no vintage is the same. He enjoys exploring each year’s unique characteristics to produce a wine with the right color, aging potential, structure, and fruit, all while maintaining elegance and finesse. It’s a true blend of technical skill and artistic sensitivity.

Sustainable Vineyard Management

Domaine Gérard Doreau aims to remain timeless and untroubled by trends. Certified Haute Valeur Environnementale Level 3 since 2019, the estate advocates for sustainable viticulture. Their credo? To care for the vines with minimal products, practicing reasoned viticulture, and applying as many organic principles and products as possible. Good wine starts with good grapes, and Jérôme takes great care of his vines and soils. The estate practices Guyot pruning and sometimes Cordon de Royat pruning with meticulous attention. Jérôme enjoys bud-thinning to control yields and clear vegetation, ensuring vine health while moving towards organic practices, learning every day to respect tradition while evolving. We particularly enjoyed tasting their Monthelie 2018. It is an expressive red wine with notes of tangy red fruits, cassis, and blackberry. True to the estate's promise, it is fruity, open, and delicious with light tannins. What are you waiting for to discover Domaine Gérard Doreau for yourself?

Discover their sublime wines from Monthelie, Meursault, Pommard, and more!