Bernard Bonin

History of Domaine Bernard-Bonin

The history of Domaine Bernard-Bonin begins in 1998, when Véronique Bonin, descended from a lineage of Meursault winegrowers, and her husband Nicolas Bernard took over 7 hectares of vines inherited from the Michelot family. Véronique is the granddaughter of Bernard Michelot, an emblematic figure of Meursault since the 1960s, whose family domaine of more than 20 hectares was then a benchmark. In 1998, Bernard Michelot decided to divide his land among his three daughters, and Véronique, driven by an innovative vision, convinced her mother Geneviève to entrust her with the management of the plots she had received. Thus was born Domaine Bernard-Bonin, formerly known as Michelot Mère et Fille.

From their very beginnings, Véronique and Nicolas embarked on a bold approach, far removed from convention. Their ambition? To produce authentic wines, faithful reflections of their terroir and vintage. Their passion for biodynamics, inspired by the teachings of Rudolf Steiner and Maria Thun, guides their practices. Despite the enormous financial stakes of the Côte d'Or, they dared to question established traditions in favour of an approach respectful of living matter. Today, after more than 20 years in existence, the domaine is certified organic (Ecocert, 2015) and biodynamic (Demeter, 2021), and its wines have become cult references in the world of wine.

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine Bernard-Bonin

Domaine Bernard-Bonin cultivates 7 hectares of vines, planted primarily with Chardonnay, across the prestigious appellations of Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, and Bourgogne. These plots, most of them between 50 and 80 years old, benefit from naturally low yields, which guarantees an exceptional concentration of aromas and flavours. The limestone soils, typical of the Côte de Beaune, lend the wines a crystalline minerality and remarkable tension.

In Meursault, the domaine owns plots in emblematic named sites such as Clos du Cromin, Les Tillets, Le Limozin, as well as the Premiers Crus Genevrières and Charmes-Dessus. In Puligny-Montrachet, the Premiers Crus Les Folatières and La Garenne complete this exceptional viticultural heritage. Since 2021, two new plots inherited from Véronique's aunt have enriched the offering: Meursault Narvaux-Dessous and Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes du Milieu. The vines, farmed biodynamically, are delicately ploughed by horse to preserve the microbiological balance of the soils. Copper, though permitted in organic farming, is banned in favour of natural solutions such as milk powder to prevent disease. The vines are encouraged to root deeply, in particular through the cutting of surface rootlets in autumn, to capture the essence of the terroir.

Winemaking at Domaine Bernard-Bonin

The winemaking philosophy of Domaine Bernard-Bonin rests on a clear principle: minimum intervention to allow the terroir to express itself. The grapes, harvested by hand and often early to preserve freshness and acidity, are whole-cluster pressed over a long cycle. After overnight settling, the juices ferment in oak barrels (25% new) with indigenous yeasts, without the use of enzymes, chaptalization, or acidification. Sulphur use is reduced to a strict minimum, and the domaine favours natural protection by CO2 during ageing.

The wines are aged on fine lees for 18 months, during which each barrel is tasted individually to optimise the exchange between the wine and its lees. This approach, combined with limited bâtonnage and the absence of fining and filtration, preserves the integrity and purity of the wine. The bottlings, synchronised with the lunar calendar, are carried out after a three-month period in tank, ensuring naturally clear and stable wines. This artisanal method imparts to the cuvées a unique richness, freshness, and minerality — authentic reflections of their terroir.

The cuvées of Domaine Bernard-Bonin

Domaine Bernard-Bonin offers a range of cuvées that embody the excellence of white Burgundy wines. Each wine reflects the identity of its terroir and the singularity of the vintage.

Bourgogne Chardonnay Initiales B.B.: This white Burgundy, often compared to a high-ranking Meursault, surprises with its elegance and complexity. Sourced from old vines, it reveals aromas of white fruit, a silky texture, and a vibrant mineral finish. An ideal introductory wine for discovering the domaine's style.

Meursault Vieilles Vignes: Produced from vines over 50 years old, this Meursault reveals notes of peach, apricot, and a vanilla touch from barrel ageing. Its balanced richness and minerality make it a perfect companion for seafood or white meats.

Meursault Les Tillets: This wine, sourced from a limestone terroir, is distinguished by its freshness and tension. Its aromas of citrus and white flowers intertwine with a chiselled minerality, offering rare elegance.

Meursault Le Limozin: Structured and deep, this Meursault seduces with its power and complexity. Its notes of ripe fruit and ample texture make it a wine of great breed, worthy of a Premier Cru.

Meursault Clos du Cromin: Sourced from an enclosed vineyard with clay-limestone soils, this wine offers a robust structure and aromas of citrus and minerality. Its ageing potential makes it a prized choice for lovers of great Meursault.

Meursault 1er Cru Genevrières: This Premier Cru, a blend of the Dessus and Dessous plots, marries the spicy vibrancy of one with the buttery roundness of the other. Its complexity and length on the palate evoke a Grand Cru.

Meursault 1er Cru Charmes-Dessus: This powerful and mineral wine, reminiscent of a Bâtard-Montrachet, seduces with its density and unique vibration. A true masterpiece for connoisseurs.

Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes du Milieu: A new cuvée since 2021, this Premier Cru embodies voluptuousness with a depth worthy of a Grand Cru. Its rich notes and silky texture make it a rare gem.

Meursault Narvaux-Dessous: Also introduced in 2021, this elegant and sensual Meursault offers a complex aromatic palette, blending ripe fruit with mineral touches.

Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatières: From a soil-poor terroir, this wine reveals concentrated grapes and intense minerality. Its floral aromas and tension make it a model of balance.

Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru La Garenne: Located at higher altitude, this Premier Cru offers remarkable freshness and citrus notes. Its finesse and precision make it an exceptional wine.

Meursault La Rencontre: A blend of the Les Pelles and Sous La Velle plots, this wine marries sensuality and power, with an intensity worthy of a Premier Cru.

Puligny-Montrachet La Romance: Sourced from the Premiers Crus Les Folatières and La Garenne, this cuvée combines elegance and complexity with exceptional aromatic richness.

Domaine Bernard-Bonin embodies the very essence of authentic Burgundy. Through the unwavering commitment of Véronique Bonin and Nicolas Bernard, each bottle reveals the magic of the terroirs of Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet. Their biodynamic approach, their respect for living matter, and their minimalist winemaking produce wines of rare purity, freshness, and intensity. Do not miss the opportunity to savour these Burgundian treasures, available at the best price on Vins & Millésimes. Immerse yourself in the world of Domaine Bernard-Bonin and let yourself be enchanted by wines that tell a story — that of a terroir and a visionary couple.