Domaine d'Auvenay

History of Domaine d'Auvenay

The history of Domaine d'Auvenay begins in 1868 with the founding of Maison Leroy, a négociant business created by François Leroy, Lalou Bize-Leroy's ancestor. In 1955, Lalou, then 23 years old, joined the family business, defying the conventions of a wine world then dominated by men. Her passion for wine, inherited from her father Henri Leroy, co-owner of the legendary Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, led her to become fully involved in the négociant business and, later, in the management of Romanée-Conti from 1974 to 1992. In 1988, Lalou marked a decisive turning point by founding Domaine Leroy and developing Domaine d'Auvenay, named after her fortified farm in Saint-Romain. This estate, which she inherited in 1980 and of which she acquired full ownership in 1990, became the stage for her most audacious ambitions. With an uncompromising vision, Lalou Bize-Leroy applied biodynamic practices from the outset, transforming this small estate into a worldwide reference. Today, the wines of Domaine d'Auvenay are cult objects, sought after by collectors and enthusiasts for their rarity and exceptional quality.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Domaine d'Auvenay

Domaine d'Auvenay spans 3.87 hectares, spread across 16 prestigious appellations, including grands crus and emblematic terroirs of the Côte de Beaune and the Côte de Nuits. Among the estate's jewels are white grands crus such as Chevalier-Montrachet, Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet and Bâtard-Montrachet, as well as red grands crus Bonnes-Mares and Mazis-Chambertin. The parcels, often tiny, benefit from meticulous care, with yields deliberately limited to approximately 15 hectoliters per hectare, well below Burgundy standards.

Lalou Bize-Leroy's biodynamic approach is at the heart of vineyard management. Each vine is treated as an individual, with replacements made exclusively through massal selections to preserve genetic diversity. The vines, sometimes over a century old, are cultivated without herbicides or pesticides, fostering rich biodiversity in the soils. The braiding technique, where shoots are coiled rather than pruned, respects the plant's natural cycle, producing concentrated and aromatic grapes. Herbal teas made from plants such as chamomile, comfrey, or rosemary are used to strengthen the vitality of the vines, transforming the vineyard into a true living garden. This philosophy, rooted in respect for life, gives the wines of Domaine d'Auvenay a unique energy and purity, a true reflection of their exceptional terroirs.

Winemaking at Domaine d'Auvenay

Winemaking at Domaine d'Auvenay is an art where every detail matters. The harvest, exclusively manual, is carried out by a dedicated team of several dozen people, rigorously sorting each cluster. The grapes, transported in a refrigerated truck at 5°C, preserve their freshness until they reach the cellar. The whites, mainly from Chardonnay, are pressed delicately, often using a manual press for small parcels such as Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet. The reds, from Pinot Noir, undergo berry-by-berry sorting, where the central stem is removed by hand to preserve the integrity of the berries and avoid undesirable tannins.

Fermentations take place in custom-made wooden vats, adapted to each parcel, with indigenous yeasts to respect the identity of the terroir. The wines are aged in new barrels from the Tonnellerie François Frères, selected for their fine grain and light toast, ensuring perfect integration of the wood. The whites rest on lees for sometimes two winters, while the reds are racked after malolactic fermentation and bottled according to the lunar calendar. Without fining or filtration, the wines retain their authenticity, offering unparalleled texture and complexity. This artisanal approach, true haute couture of wine, makes the cuvées of Domaine d'Auvenay absolute references in Burgundy.

The Cuvées of Domaine d'Auvenay

Domaine d'Auvenay produces approximately 10,000 bottles per year, distributed across a range of exceptional cuvées, each reflecting a unique terroir. 

Bourgogne Aligoté Sous Chatelet: From a 0.33-hectare parcel, this wine proves that Aligoté can rival the greatest. With a production of approximately 1,100 bottles per year, it offers vibrant minerality and remarkable freshness. Vintages: 2000-2016.

Auxey-Duresses Village: A blend of the Les Clous, Les Boutonniers and La Macabrée parcels, this wine reveals the finesse of the Auxey-Duresses terroirs. Production: approximately 1,650 bottles. Vintages: 1998-2007.

Auxey-Duresses Les Boutonniers: With 82-year-old vines, this wine from 0.25 hectares offers rare concentration for a village wine, with approximately 700 bottles per year. Vintages: 1990-2006.

Auxey-Duresses Les Clous: From 0.29 hectares, this wine produces approximately 1,100 bottles, combining elegance and structure. Vintages: 2000-2009.

Auxey-Duresses La Macabrée: A 0.63-hectare parcel producing approximately 1,650 bottles, this wine is a rare jewel, celebrated for its depth. Vintages: 2002-2009.

Meursault Village: A blend of the Narvaux, Chaumes des Perrières and Pré de Manche parcels, offering a silky texture and beautiful complexity. Vintages: 2001-2014.

Meursault Pré de Manche: From 0.1 hectares, this rare wine is sometimes integrated into the Meursault blend. Vintages: 2004-2007.

Meursault Chaumes des Perrières: A 0.08-hectare parcel, classified as village but rivaling premiers crus. Limited production. Vintages: 1998-2007.

Meursault Les Narvaux: With 0.67 hectares and 1,800 bottles per year, this wine captivates with its power and finesse. Vintages: 1996-2013.

Meursault Premier Cru Les Gouttes d'Or: A 0.19-hectare parcel producing 700 bottles, this wine is a model of elegance. Vintages: 1996-2014.

Puligny-Montrachet Les Enseignières: A new acquisition, this village wine offers remarkable purity. Vintages: 2012-2015.

Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru Les Folatières: From 0.26 hectares, this wine of 800 bottles embodies the quintessence of Puligny. Vintages: 1989-2013.

Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru En la Richarde: A 0.21-hectare parcel producing 650 bottles, this wine is extremely rare. Vintages: 2001-2009.

Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru: A tiny 0.11 hectares producing 300 bottles, this grand cru is a monument of concentration. Vintages: 1990-2011.

Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru: Acquired in 2012, this wine from 0.3 hectares is a recent addition, already legendary. Vintages: 2012-2015.

Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru: From 0.16 hectares, this wine of 500 bottles is often considered the pinnacle of white Burgundy wines. Vintages: 1992-2013.

Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru: A 0.26-hectare parcel producing 780 bottles, this red wine is a masterpiece of elegance. Vintages: 1993-2014.

Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru: With 0.26 hectares and 550 bottles, this wine offers remarkable intensity and structure. Vintages: 1994-2014.

Domaine d'Auvenay is an ode to Burgundy, to biodynamics, and to the uncompromising vision of Lalou Bize-Leroy. Each bottle, produced from tiny yields and crafted with meticulous care, is an invitation to discover the soul of Burgundy terroirs. Immerse yourself in the world of Domaine d'Auvenay and let yourself be captivated by the magic of Lalou Bize-Leroy!