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Armand Heitz has revived the magnificent estate of his ancestors in Chassagne-Montrachet
In Chassagne-Montrachet, a grand village in Burgundy known for its white wines and its red wines, Armand Heitz has focused on agroecology and regenerative agriculture for the protection of the vines and the quality of production! Today, 2 structures exist: the Heitz-Lochardet estate (the domaine wines) and Armand Heitz (wines from the estate's harvest and purchased grapes). Discover numerous cuvées as well as the main characteristics of the domaine here.
In 2012, Armand Heitz embarked on an exciting adventure by reviving his ancestors' wine estate. Coming from a family of wine merchants in the Côte de Beaune, Armand, a graduate in oenology, decided to give new life to the family business. Starting in Chassagne-Montrachet, Armand currently manages 20 hectares of vineyards, spread between the Beaune coast and Juliénas, where he also oversees a few hectares at the La Combe Vineuse estate.
Armand's wine roots go back to 1857, when his ancestors owned vineyards between Santenay and the famous Clos de Vougeot, emblematic appellations of Burgundy. Unfortunately, the consequences of phylloxera forced them to sell some of these vineyards. In 2012, Armand made a bold decision to return to settle in the family home in Chassagne-Montrachet to take up the torch. A graduate of the Changins school in Switzerland and holder of an oenology degree, his objective is clear: to revive the legacy of his ancestors in the Côte de Beaune, reconstructing it as it was nearly a century earlier.
Beginning this adventure with only one hectare the first year, Armand gradually recovered the vineyards of his parents, uncles and aunts in Meursault, Pommard and Volnay. Within a few years, the operation saw its range of wines expand, the team develop, and new ideas emerge. Having met this challenge, the Burgundy estate now counts approximately 20 hectares. The team, consisting of about a dozen people, reflects the youth and dynamism of its director, Armand. In this venture, he succeeds in combining tradition and innovation to establish Domaine Heitz Lochardet in the lineage of the great winemaking successes of the region.
Armand Heitz, in his approach resolutely focused on agroecology and regenerative agriculture, has initiated various experiments in the vineyards of Domaine Heitz Lochardet, aimed at respecting the environment and promoting constant soil enrichment. Innovative practices such as the complementary planting of vegetables at the foot of the vines and the integration of trees within the plots demonstrate the commitment to sustainable methods.
Pruning and debudding operations are meticulously carried out to respect the sap flow, and mulching as well as tree bark are deployed on certain plots to prevent grass growth. The harvest, carried out in small crates, guarantees the quality of the berries. For white wine vinification, racking followed by barreling during alcoholic fermentation is practiced, while reds are vinified using whole clusters to obtain more complex and refined wines. The fundamental principle is to use as few inputs as possible, thus allowing the wines to fully express the characteristics of their terroirs.
The terroir of Domaine Armand Heitz extends over 20 hectares between Beaune and Chassagne-Montrachet. Characterized by clay-limestone soil in the lower part of the plot and silty soil in the upper part, this terroir benefits from a temperate climate favorable to optimal ripening of the grapes. On the Côte de Beaune, home to Premier Crus such as Volnay Premier Cru Santenots, the soil is marked by the presence of limestone and marl.
The estate is committed daily to reducing inputs and environmental impact, with particular attention paid to the health of the terroirs. The principles of organic and biodynamic viticulture are integrated, but it is especially agroecology and regenerative agriculture that guide the estate's practices. Harvests are planned with precision to ensure the ideal balance between sugar and acidity, as well as maturity representative of the vintage. Winemaking choices, both for whites and reds, aim to use as few inputs as possible, favoring the authentic expression of each appellation. These choices are made possible by the impeccable quality of the harvested grapes.
Here is the main list of the estate's cuvées:
White wines: Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru; Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Maltroie; Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot; Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot Tête du Clos; Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Chenevottes; Meursault 1er Cru Perrières; Meursault Gruyaches; Meursault La Barre; Meursault Vireuils
Red wines: Pommard 1er Cru Monopole Clos des Poutures; Pommard 1er Cru Rugiens; Pommard 1er Cru Pézerolles; Volnay 1er Cru Taillepieds; Beaune 1er Cru Boucherottes
Here are more detailed descriptions of certain cuvées:
Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot Blanc: Morgeot is a famous climat in Chassagne-Montrachet! 100% Chardonnay, vinified with as little intervention as possible, the wine is then aged 11 months in barrels (new between 20 and 40%). This is a wine built for aging. Endowed with beautiful minerality, with a saline finish, the aromatics consist of white fruits, lemon and rosemary. Tension and richness of flavors on the palate, a delight!
Pommard 1er Cru Rugiens: undoubtedly the finest appellation in Pommard, the 1er Cru Rugiens embodies powerful and rustic wines. A jewel of the region and always recognized for its personality and exceptional quality, this climat is renowned for its power and requires particular skill from the winemaker to avoid any excessive rusticity. 100% Pinot Noir with strong aging potential, this wine reveals a beautiful aromatic complexity on the nose, between freshness and intensity. Beautiful red fruits, spicy notes on a background of leather and humus aromas, the tannins are fine and integrated, there is a beautiful tension and a long and intense finish.
Discover other star estates in Chassagne Montrachet such as Ramonet, Blain Gagnard, Pierre Yves Colin Morey and Hubert Lamy.
Here is also a list of the best vintages from this village appellation:
Legendary vintages: 1959, 1969
Exceptional vintages: 1953, 1971, 1978
Exceptional vintages: 1961, 1962, 1966, 2005
For more than 10 years, Vins & Millésimes has been offering you the opportunity to buy online the finest bottles of old vintages and grand crus, in stock and with fast delivery ! Discover the wines from Domaine Heitz Lochardet available for purchase as well as other great Burgundy estates such as Bertagna, De Montille, Méo Camuzet, Prieuré Roch, Sylvain Cathiard...
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