François Bertheau

History of Domaine François Bertheau 

Located in Chambolle-Musigny, Domaine François Bertheau is a family winery whose history stretches back several generations. François Bertheau himself played a key role in developing the estate and building its reputation; it is now well known for its red Burgundy wines. 

The estate’s history is rooted in the winemaking tradition of Burgundy, a region renowned for its exceptional wines. Across generations, the Bertheau family has preserved and refined its vine-growing and winemaking methods, passing valuable expertise from father to son.

As a winemaker, François Bertheau has made his own contribution to the estate’s reputation. His efforts have focused on excellence in both the vineyards and the cellar. The commune of Chambolle-Musigny, renowned for its delicate, expressive red wines, offers a unique terroir that Domaine François Bertheau has skillfully harnessed.

The estate has evolved over the years, but its commitment to quality has remained constant. François Bertheau has helped maintain and enhance the estate’s reputation, producing wines that appeal to connoisseurs and enthusiasts around the world.

Vines and Winemaking 

Located in Chambolle-Musigny, in the heart of Burgundy’s Côte de Nuits, Domaine François Bertheau has 6 hectares of vines, planted mainly with Pinot Noir and cultivated with great precision on limestone and clay-limestone soils. The vines, averaging 45 years of age, are carefully tended by the winemaker, drawing on a deep understanding of the terroir.

Winemaking at Domaine François Bertheau relies on traditional practices and meticulous attention to detail. The grapes, harvested at optimal ripeness, are aged for about 18 months in oak barrels, 20 to 30% of which are new. The wine is bottled unfiltered after 18 months of aging and released six months later. The estate’s wines stand out for their elegance, aromatic complexity, and ability to reflect the distinctive character of their terroirs. 

The Wines of Domaine François Bertheau 

Domaine François Bertheau produces elegant, delicate red wines from Pinot Noir, showing the harmony, finesse, and purity characteristic of François Bertheau’s winemaking expertise. These wines stand out for their fruit character, power, and complexity on both the nose and palate.

The estate offers wines from the Bonnes Mares appellation, among Burgundy’s most prestigious Grands Crus. These red wines reveal aromas of violet on the nose, with subtle hints of animal notes, moss, and damp earth. They can age for 30 to 50 years. A delicious Burgundy Grand Cru! 

The estate also produces Chambolle-Musigny wines (Chambolle-Musigny, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru Les Amoureuses, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru Les Charmes, and Chambolle-Musigny Grand Cru). These wines are generally enjoyed young, although the best vintages can age well. Superb Burgundy Premiers Crus! 

François Bertheau - Bonnes Mares: The Pinot Noir comes from 40-year-old vines rooted in clay-limestone soils. In the cellar, the wine rests for 18 months in oak barrels, about 20 to 30% of which are new. After aging, it displays a magnificent ruby-red color with purple highlights. Its aromas reveal delicate notes of red fruit (raspberry and red currant), brandied cherry, fine wood, cocoa, and sweet spices, along with floral touches of rose and lilac. Supple, refined, and silky, this wine delights with its soft tannins and lingering aromas, pairing beautifully with tender meat, a regional cheese such as Époisses, or a squash and mushroom gratin.

François Bertheau Chambolle Musigny Premier Cru Les Charmes: The winemaker places great importance on understanding the terroir, characterized by clay and limestone soils from which the noble grape variety draws its elegance. The wine matures for 18 months in barrels, with 20 to 30% new oak, bringing out its complexity. After a few well-deserved years of aging, it reveals a balanced profile combining elegance, character, and power. Dense in texture, it charms with its complex bouquet. Enthusiasts will recognize classic Pinot Noir notes of red and black fruit, violet, and white pepper, alongside developed aromas of prune, mushroom, truffle, and musk. We recommend enjoying it with richly flavored dishes, such as truffled Brie.

The best vintages and other neighboring stars 

Chambolle Musigny: Discover other leading estates in the Chambolle Musigny appellation at Vins Et Millésimes: Groffier, Jacques Frédéric Mugnier, Georges Roumier, Sylvain Cathiard, Mugneret Gibourg, and many more. 

Bonnes Mares: Discover other leading estates in the Bonnes Mares appellation, one of the two Grands Crus in the commune of Chambolle-Musigny, at Vins Et Millésimes: Hudelot Baillet, Fourrier, Georges Roumier, Roche de Bellene, Jacques Frédéric Mugnier, Bart, Denis Mortet, and many more. 

Here is a list of the best vintages from these appellations: 

Vintages of the century: 1966, 1969, 1978

Exceptional vintages: 1990, 2001, 2005

Excellent vintages: 1976, 1996, 2009… 

Vins & Millésimes, a specialist in online sales of older vintages and Grands Crus, offers you a wide selection of bottles and magnums from Domaine François Bertheau. Choose the easiest way to buy wine online: all our bottles are in stock, shipped within 48 to 72 hours, and always offered at an attractive price!