Amiot et Fils

History of Domaine Amiot et Fils

The Amiot family’s history in Morey-Saint-Denis dates back to the early 18th century: records mention Léon Amyot, the son of a winegrower, born in the village in 1702. Winemaking knowledge has since been passed down from father to son. Pierre Amiot began selling the first bottles in 1960 and then created the family’s first label. His son Jean-Louis joined the estate in 1976 and played a major role in building its reputation from the 1980s onward. His wife Chantal joined him in 2012 to welcome visitors.

When the former Domaine Pierre Amiot was divided between brothers Didier and Jean-Louis, Jean-Louis founded Domaine Amiot et Fils with his son Léon, who officially joined in 2020. The three roses on the label reference the Counts of Vergy’s motto, “sans varier” (“without wavering”). For the family, they represent a commitment to expressing the excellence of their terroirs, generation after generation.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Domaine Amiot et Fils

The estate’s vineyard covers around five hectares and some fifteen appellations in Morey-Saint-Denis, Gevrey-Chambertin, and Chambolle-Musigny. The plots face east and southeast at elevations of 220 to 260 meters. They lie on limestone and clay-limestone soils from the Middle Jurassic period, whose geological variations give each climat its own personality. Pinot Noir predominates, apart from two Chardonnay plots for white Morey-Saint-Denis and one Aligoté vineyard.

Viticulture is sustainable and exacting. The soils are maintained through plowing and cover crops, while Guyot-Poussard pruning respects the flow of sap. Vineyard protection draws on biodynamic practices, and massal selection is used for the oldest vines. The estate is also experimenting with agroforestry. Certified High Environmental Value, it has been transitioning to organic farming since 2024.

Winemaking at Domaine Amiot et Fils

Winemaking follows Burgundian tradition. The grapes are hand-harvested into ventilated crates, then sorted on a vibrating table. Depending on the vintage, 60% to 100% of the grapes are destemmed. Cold maceration allows for gentle, slow extraction. Punch-downs and pump-overs then alternate judiciously during a long fermentation with indigenous yeasts.

Aging in oak barrels, 30 to 50% of them new, can last up to eighteen months. Sulfur is used sparingly, and racking and bottling follow the lunar calendar. The wines are neither fined nor filtered. Their color ranges from ruby to deep garnet, their aromas evoke red and black berries, and their structured palates rest on silky tannins.

The Wines of Domaine Amiot et Fils

Bourgogne Aligoté: citrus notes lead in this lively, inviting white. Its freshness makes it a natural aperitif, and it pairs beautifully with seafood.

Bourgogne: this fruity, approachable regional Pinot Noir has rounded tannins and a fleshy palate. It is a fine introduction to the estate’s style.

Morey-Saint-Denis: this typical Côte de Nuits village wine combines structure and fruit. It faithfully reflects the purity of Morey’s soils and offers excellent value.

Morey-Saint-Denis Blanc: sourced from two plots, this rare Chardonnay is an exception in a village known for reds. It surprises with its aromatic richness and generous texture.

Gevrey-Chambertin: powerful and distinctive, this village wine fully expresses the character of its appellation. Its structure and black fruit give it excellent aging potential.

Chambolle-Musigny: full of finesse and subtlety, this wine charms with its delicate floral and fruit aromas and exceptionally silky tannins.

Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Aux Charmes: the estate’s most delicate premier cru. It stands out for its aromatic elegance, suppleness, and exceptional drinkability.

Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Les Charrières: a recent addition to the estate’s range, this cuvée offers a balanced Pinot Noir that combines mineral freshness with depth of fruit.

Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Les Blanchards: full of energy, this wine reveals pronounced blackcurrant aromas and a lively palate driven by appealing tension.

Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Les Millandes: generous yet precise, this premier cru offers black fruit aromas and remarkable mineral finesse. The 2023 vintage received a “coup de cœur” distinction from the Guide Hachette des Vins.

Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Les Ruchots: elegant, powerful, and rounded, this is a model of balance. Its dense texture and integrated tannins make it a fully realized wine for aging.

Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Les Combottes: this premier cru is surrounded by grands crus. It combines distinction, depth, and complexity, often reaching a level worthy of its prestigious neighbors.

Clos de la Roche Grand Cru: the signature grand cru of both the estate and Morey-Saint-Denis. It brings together finesse, power, complexity, and length. The profound, velvety 2023 vintage also received a “coup de cœur” distinction from the Guide Hachette des Vins.

Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru: elegant, silky, rich, and complex, this Gevrey-Chambertin grand cru offers a Pinot Noir of great distinction, built for long aging in the cellar.