Icy Liu

The history of Domaine Icy Liu

Originally from Taipei, Icy Liu has followed an unconventional path since studying engineering at Columbia University in New York. Leaving the traditional finance track behind, she explored several fields before discovering her passion for wine. The revelation came in New York, amid its vibrant food and wine scene: tastings at Astor Wine Center, followed by jobs in distribution at Crush Wine & Spirits and then Bonhomie Wine Imports. In 2018, she decided to move to Burgundy to be closer to the wines and their producers. She enrolled at the Université des Vins de Bourgogne, where she earned a degree in enology, then began working in 2019 for Beaune-based wine agent Becky Wasserman.

She had never imagined making her own wine until 2022, when her friend Bastian Wolber offered to share some old-vine organic Gamay from a grower who had previously sold his grapes to Ganevat. Inspired by her experiences at Chanterêves and Claire Naudin, Icy took the leap and made her first two cuvées at Chris Santini’s winery in Auxey-Duresses, a place where many other emerging talents on the Burgundy scene got their start.

Since 2023, Icy has also been making white wines and more reds along the (Haute) Côte d'Or. Her small-scale négociant venture is growing, cuvée by cuvée and vintage by vintage, while staying true to its founding values: transparency, a sense of place and creative freedom.

Terroirs and vineyards of Domaine Icy Liu

The estate is based in the Côte de Beaune in Burgundy and works mainly with Gamay and Pinot Noir grapes purchased from partner growers. This tailored négociant approach, built on close, trusting relationships with committed growers, allows Icy Liu to select exceptional plots with widely varied soil profiles.

The first emblematic plot is Apinost, in the village of Saint-Germain-Nuelles in southern Beaujolais. The vines, planted in 1935 and 1972, grow on clay, limestone and granite soils with a southwest exposure. Fred, the grower who owns the plot, tends the vines himself.

For the Fleurie San Sou Si cuvée, the Gamay comes from a single plot in Fleurie, "Les Fonds", which faces due south and sits on sand and pink granite. The vines were planted between 1950 and 1980.

On the Côte de Beaune side, Icy works with Pinot Noir from carefully selected plots in the Savigny-lès-Beaune, Mercurey and Santenay appellations. For Mercurey Komorebi, the Pinot Noir comes from "Roc Blanc", a southeast-facing plot on sandy calcareous marl planted in 2001.

All the grapes she buys are organic, and Icy Liu seeks to maintain a close relationship with each grower as her project expands. Although she does not currently claim any official certification, her approach to vineyard work is firmly rooted in respect for the soil, biodiversity and natural cycles.

Winemaking at Domaine Icy Liu

Winemaking at Icy Liu is based on minimal intervention, guided by taste and instinct rather than rigid formulas. The wines are made with 80 to 90% whole clusters, then fermented and aged in barrels and stainless steel tanks, without fining or filtration. Sulfur is added before vinification and adjusted before bottling if needed.

The wines are made with as little added sulfites as possible. This approach, which respects the grapes, preserves their primary aromas, the character of the vintage and the unfiltered expression of the terroir. Fermentation is spontaneous, and aging is measured.

Icy describes herself as "non-dogmatic": her decisions are guided by instinct and taste but grounded in science. Her dual training in a winegrowing and enology MBA program and an enology degree allows her to combine artistic freedom with technical expertise.

The eco-conscious approach extends to the bottle itself: the estate uses 470 g bottles that are washed and reused, without capsules or wax. The labels tell a story of their own: designed by graphic artist Sylvie Luccisano, they draw inspiration from Chinese landscape paintings. The river at the bottom of each label refers to Bruce Lee’s quote: "Be like water".

The cuvées of Domaine Icy Liu

The Caravan

The estate’s debut cuvée, and perhaps one of its most symbolic. This Gamay rosé comes from the Apinost plot in Saint-Germain-Nuelles, in southern Beaujolais. Made with whole clusters and minimal sulfur, it has a pale, salmon-tinged color, floral and fruity aromas (strawberry, peony and citrus), and a taut, fresh, almost mineral palate. A rosé with character that defies convention, it is an ideal introduction to Icy Liu’s wines.

Apinost VDF

Fairly pale for a Gamay, with violet edges, floral aromas (violet and peony) and vibrant fruit (cherry and raspberry). The palate is light and juicy, with plenty of fruit and straightforward tannins; very elegant and precise, with none of the character of candy. The vines, planted in 1935 and 1972, grow on clay, limestone and granite soils with a southwest exposure. A remarkably pure natural Gamay, best served slightly chilled with fine charcuterie or roast poultry. Aging potential: 3 to 5 years.

Fleurie San Sou Si

"Carefree"—the name says it all. This 100% Gamay comes from a single south-facing plot in Fleurie, "Les Fonds", on sand and pink granite. The vines were planted between 1950 and 1980. Fleurie’s pink granite yields an airy wine with notes of red fruit (cherry and red currant) and dried flowers, a delicate structure and a saline finish. One of the estate’s most appealing cuvées, perfect with lighter meats or mild cheeses.

Bourgogne Sweetie, Are You Coming?

An entry-level Pinot Noir that already has plenty to offer. This red Burgundy expresses the Côte de Beaune with lightness and precision: aromas of cherry, raspberry and sweet spice, a supple, easy-drinking palate and a fresh, clean finish. A wine to enjoy now, but with real substance. Try it with herb-roasted guinea fowl or beef bourguignon.

Savigny-lès-Beaune "I Brought You a Stone"

The playful name belies a serious wine. Savigny-lès-Beaune is an often-underestimated appellation, but its clay-limestone soils produce Pinot Noirs of considerable depth. Icy Liu offers an elegant expression, with notes of ripe dark fruit, licorice and damp earth, fine tannins and a long finish. A wine with character that will benefit from a little time in the decanter.

Mercurey Komorebi

Komorebi is the Japanese word for sunlight filtering through leaves—a fitting name for this luminous, translucent Mercurey Pinot Noir. The grapes come from "Roc Blanc", a southeast-facing plot on sandy calcareous marl planted in 2001. The palate is full and textured, with notes of black cherry, undergrowth and spice. A wine that balances freshness and depth, perfect with roast duck or mushroom risotto.

Santenay Mulan – Red

The tribute to the legendary warrior comes through in the glass as a structured, concentrated Pinot Noir with firm yet silky tannins. Santenay, in the south of the Côte de Beaune, offers a distinctive clay-limestone terroir that lends the wine body and depth. Aromas of preserved dark fruit, leather and violet. A wine made for aging: give it a few years to reveal its full complexity.