Goisot

History of Domaine Goisot

Domaine Goisot has its roots in the rich winemaking history of Burgundy, and more particularly in the village of Saint-Bris-le-Vineux, where the family has been established since the 14th century. This terroir, marked by characteristic limestone soils, is ideal for viticulture. However, the true transformation of the estate begins in 1979, when Ghislaine and Jean-Hugues Goisot take over the family operation with a new vision: a total commitment to environmentally friendly agriculture.

They quickly adopt organic farming practices and, in 2001, the estate receives ECOCERT certification, making this approach official. In 2005, they take another step forward by obtaining Demeter certification for biodynamic agriculture. This year also marks the arrival of their son Guilhem and his wife Marie, who perpetuate the family values of respect for the land and viticultural precision. Today, Domaine Goisot continues to combine centuries-old traditions with modern techniques to produce exceptional wines.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Domaine Goisot

Domaine Goisot is located in the Auxerrois, in northern Burgundy, a region renowned for its unique terroirs, often compared to those of prestigious Chablis. The 30-hectare vineyard is mainly distributed around Saint-Bris-le-Vineux, Irancy and Chablis. The estate's soil is rich in Jurassic marls and limestone, providing the vines with exceptional minerality.

One of the distinctive features of Domaine Goisot is its planting density. While the standard in Burgundy is generally between 4,500 and 7,000 vines per hectare, Domaine Goisot plants up to 10,000 vines per hectare. This choice encourages competition between the vines, allowing for the production of more concentrated, more complex grapes at optimal maturity. This attention to detail is also found in the cultivation practices, where everything is designed to favor grape quality. For example, severe debudding is practiced each spring to limit excessive grape production and reduce humidity levels between the vines.

The estate completely bans chemical products in favor of manual prophylactic methods, such as leaf removal on the sunrise side, allowing better aeration of the grape clusters. Biodynamics, with its plant-based preparations and respect for the lunar calendar, is at the heart of the estate's cultivation practices.

Winemaking at Domaine Goisot

Domaine Goisot applies a winemaking philosophy based on the idea that "wine is made in the vineyard, not in the cellar." This motto, dear to the family, means that the quality of the grapes takes priority over all other stages of the process. Thus, the harvest is a crucial moment when each parcel is picked at optimal maturity after careful tasting of the grapes.

Once in the cellar, the grape clusters are carefully sorted to keep only the healthiest and most balanced fruit. Vinification is then adapted according to the characteristics of the grapes and terroirs, with a choice between vinification in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels. The barrels used come from renowned French cooperages, and are selected for their ability to provide gentle oxygenation without altering the character of the wine. The aging process, which can last from 9 to 18 months, is always conducted with care to best reveal the purity and minerality of the wines.

The cuvées of Domaine Goisot

Domaine Goisot offers a wide range of wines, divided between whites and reds, made from emblematic grape varieties of the region such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc. Here is an overview of the cuvées:

Red wines:

Bourgogne Côtes d'Auxerre Rouge Pinot Noir

Corps de Garde Rouge Bourgogne Côtes d'Auxerre Pinot Noir

Le Court Vit Rouge Bourgogne Côtes d'Auxerre Pinot Noir

La Ronce Rouge Bourgogne Côtes d'Auxerre Pinot Noir

Les Mazelots Irancy Pinot Noir

La Voie de Cravant Irancy Pinot Noir

Adroit du Val Suzeau Irancy Pinot Noir

White wines:

Aligoté Bourgogne

Côtes d'Auxerre Blanc Bourgogne Chardonnay

Corps de Garde Blanc Bourgogne Côtes d'Auxerre Chardonnay

Biaumont Bourgogne Côtes d'Auxerre Chardonnay

Gueules de Loup Bourgogne Côtes d'Auxerre Chardonnay

Le Court Vit Blanc Bourgogne Côtes d'Auxerre Chardonnay

Gondonne Bourgogne Côtes d'Auxerre Chardonnay

Faucertaine Chablis Chardonnay

Saint-Bris wines:

Moury Saint-Bris Sauvignon blanc

Exogyra Virgula Saint-Bris Sauvignon blanc

Corps de Garde Blanc Saint-Bris Fié Gris

La Ronce Blanc Saint-Bris-Le-Vineux Sauvignon

These cuvées, from parcels with distinct geological characteristics, reflect unique expertise. The reds stand out for their elegance and finesse, while the whites reveal exceptional minerality, perfect for long aging.

The wines of Domaine Goisot are particularly appreciated for their aging capacity. Here is a list of vintages to watch: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021…

For Burgundy wine enthusiasts, there are many other exceptional estates to discover in the region, each with its own distinctive features. Here is a selection of estates to explore: Raveneau, Vincent Dauvissat, La Chablisienne, Servin, Patrick Piuze, Pattes Loup, Jean Paul Droin…

These estates, like Domaine Goisot, contribute to the worldwide reputation of Burgundy wines and also deserve to be explored.

Domaine Goisot is a jewel of northern Burgundy. With a deeply respectful approach to nature and family expertise passed down through centuries, this estate has become essential for biodynamic wine enthusiasts. Its cuvées, both white and red, reflect the richness and diversity of its terroirs, while offering exceptional quality vintage after vintage.