Heitz Lochardet

History of the Estate and Philosophy

In 2012, Armand Heitz embarked on an exciting venture by reawakening the viticultural estate of his forebears. Hailing from a family of wine merchants in the Côte de Beaune, Armand, an oenology graduate, decided to breathe new life into the family business. Starting in Chassagne-Montrachet, Armand currently manages 20 hectares of vineyards, spanning from the Côte de Beaune to Juliénas, where he also oversees a few hectares at Domaine La Combe Vineuse.

Armand's viticultural roots date back to 1857 when his ancestors owned vineyards between Santenay and the famous Clos de Vougeot, iconic appellations of Burgundy. Unfortunately, the consequences of phylloxera forced them to part with some of these vineyards. In 2012, Armand made a bold decision to return to the family home in Chassagne-Montrachet to take up the mantle. A graduate of the Changins school in Switzerland and holding a degree in oenology, his goal is clear: to revive the legacy of his ancestors in the Côte de Beaune, reconstructing it as it was nearly a century ago.

Beginning this journey with just one hectare in the first year, Armand gradually reclaims vineyards from his parents, uncles, and aunts in Meursault, Pommard, and Volnay. In a few years, the estate's wine range expands, the team grows, and new ideas emerge. Successfully meeting this challenge, the estate in Burgundy now covers approximately 20 hectares. The team, consisting of about a dozen individuals, reflects the youth and dynamism of its leader, Armand. In this venture, he manages to blend tradition and innovation, placing Domaine Heitz Lochardet among the great viticultural successes of the region.

Terroir, Vines, and Vinification

Armand Heitz, with a resolute focus on agroecology and regenerative agriculture, has initiated various experiments in the vineyards of Domaine Heitz Lochardet, aiming to respect the environment and promote constant soil enrichment. Innovative practices such as complementary vegetable planting at the base of the vines and the integration of trees within the plots demonstrate a commitment to sustainable methods.

Pruning and bud removal operations are meticulously carried out to respect sap flow, and mulching and tree bark are applied to certain plots to prevent weed growth. Harvesting, done in small crates, ensures the quality of the berries. For the vinification of whites, settling followed by barrel aging during alcoholic fermentation is practiced, while reds are vinified with whole clusters to achieve more complex and refined wines. The fundamental principle is to use the fewest possible additives, allowing the wines to fully express the characteristics of their terroirs.

The terroir of Domaine Armand Heitz covers 20 hectares between Beaune and Chassagne-Montrachet. Characterized by clay-limestone soil in the lower part of the plot and loamy soil in the upper part, this terroir benefits from a temperate climate conducive to optimal grape maturation. In 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 a particular focus on soil health. Principles of organic and biodynamic viticulture are integrated, but it is agroecology and regenerative agriculture that primarily guide the estate's practices. Harvests are precisely planned to ensure the ideal balance between sugar and acidity, as well as the representative maturity of the vintage. Vinification choices, both for whites and reds, aim to use the fewest possible additives, favoring the authentic expression of each appellation. These choices are made possible by the impeccable quality of the harvested grapes.

The Cuvees of the estate Armand Heitz / Heitz Lochardet 

Here is the main list of cuvees from the estate:

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 some cuvees:

Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot Blanc: Morgeot is a famous climat in Chassagne-Montrachet! 100% Chardonnay, vinified with minimal intervention, the wine is then aged for 11 months in barrels (new between 20 and 40%). It is a wine designed for aging, with beautiful minerality, a saline finish, and aromas of white fruits, lemon, and rosemary. Tension and richness of flavors in the mouth, a delight!

Pommard 1er Cru Rugiens: Arguably the finest appellation in Pommard, 1er Cru Rugiens embodies powerful and rustic wines. A jewel of the region, always recognized for its distinctive personality and exceptional quality, this climat is known for its power, requiring the winemaker's particular skill to avoid 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 with hints of leather and humus, fine and integrated tannins, exquisite tension, and a long, intense finish.

The Great Vintages and Great Estates in Chassagne Montrachet

Discover other star estates in Chassagne Montrachet like Ramonet, Blain Gagnard, Pierre Yves Colin Morey, and Hubert Lamy. Here is also a list of the best vintages for this village appellation:

Legendary Vintages: 1959,1969

Exceptional Vintages: 1953, 1971, 1978

Very Great Vintages: 1961, 1962, 1966, 2005

For over 10 years, Vins & Millésimes has offered you the opportunity to buy online the best bottles of old vintages and grand crus, in stock and with fast delivery! Discover the bottles and magnums of the Hetz Lochardet estate available for purchase, as well as other great estates like Bertagna, De Montille, Méo Camuzet, Prieuré Roch, Sylvain Cathiard!