Antoine Sunier

History of Domaine Antoine Sunier

Antoine Sunier's story is one of a life lived in two stages. His first professional life, 13 years in telecommunications as a manager at Bouygues, left him unfulfilled. From the heights of Avenas where his brother Julien had settled in 2005 and then created his estate in 2008, Antoine observed, understood and became fascinated by the world of the vine. A few visits alongside his brother were enough to make up his mind: in 2008, from the Basque Country where he was living at the time, he decided to leave everything behind and start from scratch. He enrolled in Beaune for a year of training, where he met Camille Lapierre (son of the legendary Marcel), Christelle Roch and other young future winemakers who would form the next generation of natural wine. His internship took place at Château de Prémeaux, and his winemaking training was completed alongside Jean-Claude Lapalu in Brouilly, a reference winemaker in the natural Beaujolais world.

In 2013, Antoine purchased a house with 3.8 hectares of vines in Régnié. His first vintage in 2014 yielded a Régnié and a Morgon. Gradually, the estate expanded to 5.5 hectares. Organic Agriculture certification was obtained in 2020. Together with his brother Julien, they share their harvesting team and support one another, while each maintaining their own style and their own range. Antoine Sunier is part of the dynamic community of young natural winemakers in Beaujolais, heirs to the "Gang of Four" (Lapierre, Thévenet, Foillard, Breton) who had revolutionised the region in the 1980s.

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine Antoine Sunier

Antoine Sunier's vineyard extends over 5.5 hectares, spread across two appellations. In Régnié (4.3 hectares), the vines are mainly located on the lieux-dits Forchets and Potet, with vines averaging 45 years of age. Régnié, the tenth cru of Beaujolais, is planted on fine and light granitic soils that produce wines of characteristic lightness and freshness. A specific cuvée, Les Montmerond, comes from a particular lieu-dit of the estate and constitutes "a velvet cannon through and through" according to wine lovers. In Morgon (1.1 to 1.3 hectares), the vines are located in Grand Cras, one of the finest terroirs of the appellation, with vines over 60 years old.

The entire vineyard is farmed organically, certified since 2020. Antoine uses ploughing and natural amendments. He follows the lunar calendar for all work in the vineyard and the cellar. A biodynamic and organic approach is being progressively applied. The harvest is entirely manual. A Beaujolais-Villages cuvée entitled "Gamay Poursuite" is also produced from grapes purchased from partner winegrowers.

Winemaking at Domaine Antoine Sunier

Antoine Sunier vinifies according to the teachings of Jules Chauvet and Jean-Claude Lapalu: carbonic maceration with whole bunches, fermentation with indigenous yeasts in concrete tanks, for 8 to 15 days. After maceration, the grapes are pressed into Burgundian barrels of at least 8 years of age. Ageing varies according to the cuvées: for the Régnié, 50% in tanks and 50% in barrels for 7 to 8 months; for the Morgon, 80% in barrels and 20% in tanks. For certain cuvées, one month of blending precedes bottling. No fining, no filtration. A minimal dose of sulphur (10 to 20 mg/l) is added at bottling for microbial protection. Rackings and bottlings are carried out according to the lunar calendar.

The Cuvées of Domaine Antoine Sunier

Régnié : The estate's main and emblematic red cuvée, drawn from 45-year-old vines on the lieux-dits Forchets and Potet in Régnié-Durette. Carbonic maceration for 8–15 days, concrete tanks, indigenous yeasts, aged 7–8 months with 50% in tanks and 50% in Burgundian barrels of at least 8 years. No sulphur, no filtration or fining, a light dose of SO2 at bottling. A red wine with the freshness and lightness characteristic of Régnié, with aromas of peach, raspberry and small red fruits, a crunchy and digestible palate. "Scintillating fruit, exemplary drinkability and fluidity."

Régnié Les Montmerond : A single-plot red cuvée from the lieu-dit Les Montmerond in Régnié, the estate's most admired cuvée among wine lovers. "A velvet cannon through and through." Carbonic maceration, aged in old Burgundian barrels. A red wine of superior finesse and depth compared to the generic Régnié, with an exceptional velvety and silky texture, intense floral aromas and more concentrated fruit. The "coup de coeur" cuvée of the estate's admirers, produced in small quantities.

Morgon : A red Morgon cuvée from the 1.1 to 1.3 hectares of Grand Cras, with vines over 60 years old. Carbonic maceration, aged 80% in Burgundian barrels and 20% in tanks. "Antoine Sunier's Morgon is a sapid and refined wine that exudes a deep fruitiness of stone fruits. Primarily Burlat cherry with a few notes of peony. The juice, full-bodied and silky, fills the palate with delicacy." His 2019 Morgon, drawn from a blend of 5 plots, is "a pure marvel": a bouquet of dried flowers, iris and peony intertwined with notes of cherry stone. The estate's ageing cuvée, to be kept for 5 to 8 years.

Beaujolais-Villages Gamay Poursuite : The entry-level cuvée, the only one produced from purchased grapes (AB certified), aged 100% in concrete tanks. Total SO2: 10 mg/l. A red wine for easy drinking and immediate pleasure, in the fruity and gourmand style of Régnié, accessible and convivial. The cuvée for sharing on any occasion.