Sylvain Langoureau

History of Domaine Sylvain Langoureau

The history of Domaine Sylvain Langoureau is deeply rooted in the terroir of Saint-Aubin: the estate's buildings date back to 1647, and the Langoureau family has perpetuated a winemaking tradition passed down from generation to generation for more than three centuries. Sylvain, who represents the fifth generation, officially took over the estate in 1988-1989. His first decision was symbolic: he left the local cooperative to vinify the grapes from his plots himself, expressing from the outset a personal and demanding vision of Burgundy wine.

Since then, Sylvain and Nathalie Langoureau have progressively developed and structured the estate, expanding the vineyard, building a vaulted cellar in dressed stone by a master mason, and refining their approach to winemaking. Today recognized as two of the most talented winemakers on the Côte de Beaune, they continue to work with the same modesty and passion that have always characterized this exceptional family estate.

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine Sylvain Langoureau

The vineyard of Domaine Sylvain Langoureau extends over approximately ten hectares, spread across numerous carefully selected small plots in the most prestigious appellations of the Côte de Beaune: Saint-Aubin of course, but also Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, and Meursault. This diversity of terroirs constitutes one of the estate's great strengths, allowing Sylvain Langoureau to express the full palette of white Burgundy in all its complexity.

The grape varieties reflect the vocation of the land: approximately 75% Chardonnay, the king of white Burgundy, complemented by 15% Pinot Noir and 10% Aligoté. The vines, tended by hand with constant care, are pruned to a maximum of five buds to encourage naturally low yields and concentrated grapes. No phytosanitary treatments are applied after mid-July, and cover crop trials are conducted on certain plots to encourage root competition, limit soil erosion, and reinforce the expression of the terroir. The hamlet of Gamay, situated at a slightly higher elevation than neighboring villages, benefits from cool temperatures that contribute to the tension and natural acidity of the wines.

Among the finest terroirs cultivated, the 1er Cru En Remilly occupies a strategic position on the reverse slope of the hill that gives rise to the famous Grand Cru Montrachet, sharing with it a singular geological composition. Les Frionnes, Les Champlots, Sur le Sentier du Clou, Bas de Vermarain à l'Est, Murgers des Dents de Chien, and the 1er Cru La Garenne in Puligny-Montrachet: each climat delivers a distinct expression, and it is precisely in this ability to convey the identity of each plot that the genius of Sylvain Langoureau resides.

Winemaking at Domaine Sylvain Langoureau

The winemaking philosophy at Domaine Sylvain Langoureau rests on minimal human intervention and the highlighting of fruit and terroir. Harvests are carried out entirely by hand, with careful attention to the optimal ripeness of each plot. Fermentations are triggered naturally, using only the indigenous yeasts present on the grapes, avoiding any recourse to commercial yeasts that would standardize the aromatic expression of the cuvées.

The whites ferment and age in Burgundian oak barrels, with a proportion of new wood deliberately limited to a maximum of 20-30%, so as never to mask the minerality and freshness characteristic of the estate's wines. The lees are not stirred during aging, a deliberate choice that preserves the wines' nerve and vivacity. After approximately eleven to twelve months of wood aging, the cuvées are bottled at a relatively early stage that guarantees their fruity brilliance and dynamism. The red wines, made from Pinot Noir, are vinified in stainless steel tanks in the estate's garage before joining the vaulted cellar for barrel aging.

The result of this approach is a range of wines of great stylistic consistency: pure, precise, mineral whites endowed with beautiful natural acidity and serious aging potential, while remaining accessible and seductive from their youth.

The Cuvées of Domaine Sylvain Langoureau

Saint-Aubin 1er Cru En Remilly 

Considered one of the finest premier crus of Saint-Aubin, the En Remilly climat adjoins the reverse slope of the hill that shelters the Grand Cru Montrachet, sharing certain geological characteristics with it. On this exceptional terroir, Sylvain Langoureau crafts an ample and structured wine that combines power and elegance. The complex and distinguished nose develops aromas of iodine, candied citrus, white flowers, and stone fruits. The palate is dense and taut, with a striking minerality and a very long finish. En Remilly is without doubt the most ambitious cuvée in the estate's Saint-Aubin range and well deserves several years of cellaring to reveal its full complexity.

Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Les Frionnes 

Les Frionnes is one of the most consistent and most appreciated premier crus of Domaine Sylvain Langoureau. This climat delivers a generous, round, and indulgent wine, marked by aromas of ripe pear, honeysuckle, citrus, and a subtle buttery touch. The palate is ample and fleshy, with beautiful fruity length and a lightly toasted finish. More accessible than En Remilly in its youth, Les Frionnes will seduce lovers of white Burgundy with its silky texture.

Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Sur le Sentier du Clou 

This premier cru with its mysterious allure delivers a wine of fine structure, marked by the floral and mineral notes characteristic of Saint-Aubin. Sylvain Langoureau expresses a beautiful tension between freshness and depth here, with aromas of lemon, white peach, and flint. The palate is precise and straight, with a fine acidity that gives it excellent aging potential. 

Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Les Champlots

The name "Champlots" refers to sloping land, and this premier cru planted on the hillsides of Saint-Aubin benefits from a favorable exposure and a calcareous soil. Sylvain Langoureau crafts a delicate wine here, with aromas of fresh citrus and lightly toasted flowers, and an elegant mineral backbone. The palate is fresh, lively, and balanced, with beautiful persistent length. 

Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Bas de Vermarain à l'Est 

Less known to the general public, this confidential premier cru reveals Sylvain Langoureau's ability to sublimate underestimated climates. The wine presents a pastry-like and floral nose — fresh almond, pear, white flowers — and a palate of fine maturity, slightly saline, with a hint of bitterness on the finish that underscores its mineral character. A highly distinctive wine within the range, illustrating the natural freshness of certain Saint-Aubin plots.

Saint-Aubin 1er Cru Murgers des Dents de Chien 

Located in the immediate vicinity of the Chevalier-Montrachet vines, the Murgers des Dents de Chien climat is one of the jewels of the Saint-Aubin appellation. Its evocative name, which originates from the characteristic rocky outcrops of the soil, sets the tone: a taut, mineral wine of remarkable precision, with a chiseled palate and a long, distinguished finish. Sylvain Langoureau creates here a cuvée of great purity, a neighbor to the finest whites of the Côte d'Or.

Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru La Garenne 

With this premier cru from Puligny-Montrachet, Domaine Sylvain Langoureau enters the realm of the very greatest white Burgundies. The La Garenne climat, whose name comes from the Latin Warenna (a wood reserved for seigneurial hunting), is located near the village of Blagny and benefits from an elevated position that confers freshness and mineral austerity. The wine expresses refined aromas of jasmine, acacia, fresh almond, and apricot, with a subtle hint of vanilla from oak aging. The palate is ample and precise, driven by a lively minerality and a very long finish. 

Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chalumaux 

This premier cru located beneath the woods of Blagny, on the southern boundary of Meursault, benefits from a high position on the hillside that gives it precious natural freshness. Sylvain Langoureau crafts a fine and balanced Puligny-Montrachet here, with aromas of exotic fruits, white flowers, and a light mineral touch. The palate is straight and taut, with beautiful length and remarkable aromatic persistence. 

Chassagne-Montrachet Les Houillères 

Located on the border of Puligny-Montrachet, the Les Houillères climat gives Sylvain Langoureau the material for a flavorful and expressive Chassagne-Montrachet. The nose marries aromas of citrus, spring flowers, and slightly buttery and toasted notes. The palate is fresh and dynamic, with beautiful acidity and a persistent mineral finish. A Chassagne that clearly stands apart from Saint-Aubin wines with its richer texture and more generous aromatic expression.

Meursault-Blagny 1er Cru La Pièce sous le Bois

This premier cru from Meursault, located beneath the woods of Blagny, represents one of the most complex facets of the Langoureau range. Sylvain produces here a wine of fine aromatic richness — roasted hazelnut, honey, yellow fruits — with an ample, indulgent palate endowed with a depth and persistence that make it an ideal companion for fine dining.