Julien Sunier

History of Domaine Julien Sunier

Julien Sunier is the eldest son of a family from Dijon with no winemaking tradition. It was a passion for wine that led him down this path, from his student years onwards. His mother, a hairdresser, counted among her clients Christophe Roumier, the emblematic vigneron of Chambolle-Musigny. It was thanks to this unlikely connection that Julien was able to obtain a placement at Roumier, a first decisive training alongside one of the most admired Burgundian domaines in the world. The experience opened his eyes to what a great fine wine could be, and sent him on an international quest: New Zealand, California (two destinations he also chose for their surf!), then London as a wine importer alongside Jasper Morris MW.

Back in France, he was selected by Mommessin to develop an operation in Beaujolais. It was there that he met Marcel Lapierre and Jean-Paul Thévenet, founding figures of natural Beaujolais wine, who deeply influenced him. In 2005, he settled permanently in Avenas, a village perched at 750 metres above sea level, purchasing the "Ferme des Noisetiers" — 10 hectares of meadows and woodland overlooking the Beaujolais crus. In 2008, let go by Mommessin almost at the same time as he was buying his farm, he created his domaine with 2.2 hectares. The first small plot of Fleurie was purchased from Yvon Métras. Gradually, the domaine expanded to 9 hectares across three crus. His brother Antoine created his own domaine in 2014, and the two brothers share their harvest team. A cellar entirely clad in wood was built at the farm, with a cave dug out for the barrels.

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine Julien Sunier

The vineyard of Domaine Julien Sunier extends over 9 hectares, spread across three cru appellations of Beaujolais. In Régnié (4 hectares), the vines are planted on two complementary types of terroir: deep granitic sands, bringing "richness and conviviality", and stony soils of ancient alluvium, bringing "spiced notes and structure." In Morgon, the vines grow on the appellation's characteristic terroirs of granite and schist, including the Côte du Py. In Fleurie, the first plot purchased from Yvon Métras is part of a small ensemble on the appellation's pink granitic soils.

The entire vineyard has been farmed organically since the very first year of establishment: "organic, necessarily!" says Julien. The soils receive inputs of composted manure and cover crops to stimulate microbial life and provide nitrogen naturally. Surface soil cultivation is practised to manage ground cover and reduce erosion. Harvesting is entirely manual, sorted at the vine. The vatting is done by gravity so as not to crush the whole harvest. The Ferme des Noisetiers, at 750 metres above sea level between woodland and meadows, is "a treasure of biodiversity, sheltered from all human pollution", with an exceptional panorama over the Beaujolais crus.

Vinifications of Domaine Julien Sunier

Julien Sunier's winemaking is that of a vigneron who learned alongside the finest in Burgundy and natural Beaujolais, and who synthesised these teachings into a precise personal style. The grapes arrive whole in the concrete vats by gravity. Classic carbonic maceration takes place according to the methods of Jules Chauvet and the Lapierre school, with a few punch-downs towards the end of fermentation to bring body and texture to the wines. Pressing is carried out in a very old vertical wooden press, an ancient tool that ensures gentle and progressive extraction. Ageing lasts 8 to 12 months in old Burgundy oak barrels, with no new wood whatsoever. Bottling and rackings are carried out according to lunar cycles to optimise clarity and the expression of the wines, thereby avoiding filtration. No filtration. The wines are bottled without addition in the spring following the harvest.

The Cuvées of Domaine Julien Sunier

Régnié : Red cuvée of Régnié sourced from the 4 hectares of the appellation, across two types of terroir: deep granitic sands and stony soils of ancient alluvium. Carbonic maceration with a few punch-downs at the end of fermentation, ageing in old barrels for 8 months, bottling according to lunar cycles. A wine slightly less vatted and aged than the domaine's two other crus, in a more immediate and convivial style. "On the nose, vineyard peach dominates, followed by a suave palate with velvety tannins. Its mission: to delight the taste buds over a good snack." The most accessible and festive cuvée of the domaine.

Morgon : Red cuvée of Morgon sourced from the appellation's plots on granite and schist, including vines on the Côte du Py. Carbonic maceration with punch-downs at the end of fermentation, vertical wooden press, ageing 10 to 12 months in old Burgundian barrels. A red wine of depth and minerality characteristic of Morgon: black cherry, violet, schist, spices. Ample and structured palate, fine and persistent tannins, ageing potential of 8 to 12 years. "Aromatically complex, defined by passion and commitment." The deepest and most ambitious cuvée of the domaine.

Fleurie : Red cuvée of Fleurie sourced from the domaine's plots including the first plot purchased from Yvon Métras. Pink granitic soils of the appellation, carbonic maceration with punch-downs, vertical wooden press, ageing in old barrels for 8 to 10 months. A red wine of elegance and lightness reminiscent of the wines of Chambolle-Musigny, where Julien cut his teeth: aromas of flowers (violet, peony), cherry and raspberry, silky and airy palate, long and mineral finish. "Reminiscent of Julien's Chambolle beginnings", according to importer Polaner Selections.