Domaine de l'Arlot

History of Domaine de l'Arlot

The history of Domaine de l'Arlot is deeply rooted in Burgundy's wine heritage. At the end of the 18th century, Jean-Charles Vienot, heir to a long Burgundian lineage, laid the foundations of the estate by building a wall around his vines in Premeaux-Prissey, thus creating the Clos de l'Arlot, now classified as Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru. In 1891, wine merchant Jules Belin expanded the property by acquiring the Clos des Forêts Saint-Georges and the Clos du Chapeau, consolidating the estate's foundations. Nearly a century later, in 1987, AXA Millésimes took the reins and enriched the vineyard with two prestigious parcels: Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Suchots and Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru.

Under the direction of influential figures such as Jean-Pierre de Smet, who guided the estate for two decades, and today Christian Seely and Géraldine Godot, Domaine de l'Arlot has evolved while remaining faithful to its roots. Géraldine Godot, a microbiologist and oenologist native to Burgundy, has directed production since 2014 with a vision focused on purity and terroir expression. 

Terroirs and Vineyards of Domaine de l'Arlot

Domaine de l'Arlot extends over 15 hectares of vines, distributed across exceptional terroirs in the Côte de Nuits and Vosne-Romanée. Its three monopoles, Clos de l'Arlot, Clos des Forêts Saint-Georges and Clos du Chapeau, are geological jewels, composed of varied soils mixing limestone, clay, marl and gravel. The Clos de l'Arlot, nestled in a former quarry forming a natural amphitheater, offers unique microclimates and complex soils, ideal for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Clos des Forêts Saint-Georges, with its 7.2 hectares, covers a varied geological palette, ranging from Ladoix limestone to white oolitic limestone, conferring power and density to the wines. The Clos du Chapeau, located in Comblanchien, rests on clay-limestone soil that reveals the indulgence of Pinot Noir.

Since 2003, the estate has practiced biodynamics, after adopting organic farming as early as 2000, obtaining AB certification in 2014. This respectful approach, based on observing natural rhythms and abandoning chemical products, allows the vines to flourish in natural balance. The grapes, filled with the unique characteristics of each parcel, faithfully translate the essence of Domaine de l'Arlot's terroirs, making each cuvée an ode to Burgundy.

Vinifications at Domaine de l'Arlot

The vinification philosophy of Domaine de l'Arlot is based on minimal intervention to allow the truth of the terroir to express itself. The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully sorted, first in the vineyards, then at the winery, to keep only the best fruits. Fermentations start spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, and the team, led by Géraldine Godot, favors an intuitive approach, adapted to each vintage. For red wines, part of the whole harvest is sometimes used, depending on the ripeness of the stems, to bring elegance and complexity. Punching down is done manually, and pumping over remains limited for delicate extraction.

The aging, equally precise, takes place in French oak barrels, with a proportion of new wood varying according to the cuvées (from 10% to 55%). White wines are barreled before alcoholic fermentation, while reds are barreled after vinification. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally, following the rhythm of the seasons, and every detail is monitored to determine the optimal moment for bottling. This artisanal approach guarantees wines of exceptional purity and finesse.

The Cuvées of Domaine de l'Arlot

Domaine de l'Arlot offers a range of cuvées that celebrate the diversity and richness of the Côte de Nuits terroirs.

Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Suchots

This red wine embodies the finesse and complexity of Pinot Noir. From old vines of 60 years, it offers an expressive nose of strawberries and rose petals, followed by a creamy, rich and airy palate. Aged 15 months in oak barrels (40% new), it combines elegance and persistence, with remarkable aging potential.

Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru

An exceptional wine, this Grand Cru reveals a brilliant ruby robe and a radiant bouquet of black cherry, violet and iodine notes. Its palate, both smooth and structured, displays precise tannins and sublime complexity. Aged 15 months in barrels (40% new), this red wine is a rare privilege for enthusiasts.

Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Petits Plets

From young vines of Clos des Forêts Saint-Georges, this red wine captivates with its indulgence and fleshy texture. Its expressive nose of black fruits and peony precedes a powerful palate, with well-present tannins, ideal for a wine purchase to taste or to keep.

Côte de Nuits Villages Clos du Chapeau Monopole

This red wine highlights the finesse of Pinot Noir with a nose of morello cherry, clove and cocoa. Aged 11 months in barrels (30% new), it offers a supple and elegant body, perfect for young tasting or after a few years in the cellar.

Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Clos de l'Arlot Monopole

This red wine captivates with its complex bouquet of raspberry, redcurrant and floral notes. Its palate, elegant and concentrated, rests on supple tannins and remarkable length. Aged 15 months in barrels (40% new), it is a must for Burgundy wine enthusiasts.

Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Mont des Oiseaux

Produced in small quantities from young vines of Clos de l'Arlot, this red wine reveals a mineral and lively nose, with a silky and crisp palate. Aged 15 months in barrels (40% new), it combines freshness and elegance, ideal for early tasting.

Nuits-Saint-Georges Cuvée Le Petit Arlot

This red wine from young vines of Clos de l'Arlot offers a floral and spicy nose, followed by a delicate palate with aromas of strawberry and licorice. Classified as village appellation to preserve its potential, it captivates with its freshness and crispness.

Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Clos des Forêts Saint-Georges Monopole

This powerful red wine embodies the identity of Nuits-Saint-Georges with a complex nose of blackcurrant, blackberry and spices. Its dense palate, with rich tannins, promises great aging potential. Aged 16 months in barrels (40% new), it is an exceptional cuvée.

Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Le Mont (Red)

This fresh and accessible red wine reveals a nose of cherry and raspberry, with a supple and fruity palate. Aged 11 months in barrels (20% new), it is perfect for immediate tasting.

Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Clos de l'Arlot Monopole (White)

This white Chardonnay wine, tinged with Pinot Gris, offers a nose of white flowers and exotic fruits, followed by an ample and mineral palate. Aged 12 months in barrels (20% new), it captivates with its complexity and freshness.

Nuits-Saint-Georges La Gerbotte (White)

From young vines of Clos de l'Arlot, this white wine reveals aromas of citrus and fresh almond, with a lively and crystalline palate. Aged 12 months in barrels (20% new), it is ideal for young tasting.

Côte de Nuits Villages Au Leurey (White)

This floral and exotic white wine, with notes of lychee, offers a fresh and taut palate. Aged 11 months in barrels (15% new), it is perfect to accompany a convivial meal.

Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Le Mont (White)

This white Chardonnay wine bursts with aromas of apricot and passion fruit. Its vibrant and mineral palate, aged 11 months in barrels (10% new), captivates with its balance and richness.

Domaine de l'Arlot is an exceptional address for Burgundy wine enthusiasts seeking authenticity and refinement. Thanks to biodynamic viticulture, respectful vinification and unique terroirs, each cuvée from the estate tells a story, that of ancestral expertise and a passion for terroir expression. Explore our selection and take advantage of the best prices to enrich your cellar with these treasures of the Côte de Nuits!