Domaine Confuron-Cotetidot

The Confuron family have been vignerons since the reign of Louis XIV, back in the seventeenth century, when their speciality was vine selection and propagation – they even have a strain of Pinot Noir named after them, the ‘Pinot Confuron’.

Jack Confuron’s marriage to Bernadette Cotetidot in 1964 gave the estate its present name. Jack has continued in charge of the estate ever since, but his son, Yves, has gradually taking over responsibility, assisted by his oenologist brother, Jean-Pierre. The domaine has an impressive portfolio of vineyards with several Grands Crus and the revered Premier Cru of Les Suchots.

The Confuron’s have always taken the greatest care in the vineyards, performing their own massale selection of vines (ie selecting and using the healthiest plants for propagation), which are on average 65 years old. Unusually for Burgundy, their vineyards have never been treated with herbicides or pesticides, and the vine roots penetrate deep into the soils, giving the grapes a minerality that “defines our terroir”. A green harvest in spring limits the number of bunches per vine and therefore ensure optimal ripening for those left on. Harvest proper is then usually later than most.

Grape selection is done both in the vineyard and on arrival in the cellar, and fermentation then takes place in vats and lasts about a month, with frequent pump overs and punch downs in order to extract both tannin and colour. Pressing is done as carefully and gently as possible with a traditional, century old press.

The wine is transferred to oak barrels for maturation, about 30% new, which takes place over 18 to 24 months. The wines are not fined or filtered in any way prior to bottling.

In general the vines are old, yields low and the wines more approachable in the medium to long term. In fact, one of the key strengths of the C-C wines is their ability to age and develop.

Vineyards: Gevrey Chambertin Vosne Romanée Nuits St Georges Nuits St Georges 1er Cru Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Le Craipillot Gevrey Chambertin Lavaut Saint Jacques Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Petite Chapelle Vosne Romanée 1er Cru Les Suchots Echézeaux Grand Cru Clos Vougeot Grand Cru Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru