François Bertheau

History of Domaine François Bertheau

Situated in Chambolle-Musigny, the François Bertheau wine estate is a family establishment with a history spanning several generations. François Bertheau himself played a key role in the development and renown of the estate, the Burgundy Red wines are now very famous ! 

The domaine's history is rooted in Burgundy's winemaking tradition, a region renowned for its exceptional wines. Across generations, the Bertheau family preserved and perfected vine cultivation and winemaking methods, passing down invaluable expertise from father to son.

As a vigneron, François Bertheau contributed to the estate's reputation. His efforts focused on achieving excellence, both in the vineyards and the cellar. Chambolle-Musigny, renowned for its delicate and expressive red wines, provides a unique terroir expertly exploited by Domaine François Bertheau.

The estate has undergone changes over the years, but the commitment to quality remains constant. François Bertheau has contributed to maintaining and elevating the estate's reputation, producing wines that captivate connoisseurs and enthusiasts worldwide.

Vines and Vinification

Located in the heart of the Côte de Nuits in Burgundy, Domaine François Bertheau spans 6 hectares of vineyards, primarily planted with pinot noir, cultivated with great precision on limestone and clay-limestone soils. The vines, averaging 45 years old, are carefully tended by the vigneron, demonstrating a deep understanding of the terroir.

Vinification at Domaine François Bertheau relies on traditional practices and meticulous attention to detail. Grapes, harvested at optimal ripeness, undergo approximately 18 months of aging in oak barrels, with 20 to 30% being new. The unfiltered wine is bottled after 18 months of aging and marketed six months later. The estate's wines stand out for their elegance, aromatic complexity, and the ability to reflect the distinctive character of the terroirs.

Wines of Domaine François Bertheau

Domaine François Bertheau produces elegant and delicate red wines from the pinot noir grape, showcasing harmony, finesse, and purity inherent to François Bertheau's winemaking expertise. These wines are distinguished by their fruity character, power, and complexity, both aromatically and on the palate.

The estate offers wines from the Bonnes Mares appellation, among the most prestigious Burgundy grands crus. These red wines reveal aromas of violet with subtle nuances of animal notes, moss, and wet earth on the nose. Their aging potential ranges from 30 to 50 years.

Chambolle-Musigny wines are also produced by the estate (Chambolle-Musigny, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru Les Amoureuses, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru Les Charmes, and Chambolle-Musigny Grand Cru). These Burgundy premiers crus wines are generally enjoyed in their youth, although the best vintages have the capacity to age gracefully.

François Bertheau - Bonnes Mares: The pinot noir, sourced from 40-year-old vines, draws its nutrients from clay-limestone soils. In the cellar, the wine peacefully rests for 18 months in oak barrels, with approximately 20 to 30% being new. After well-deserved maturation, the wine presents a beautiful ruby-red robe with mauve reflections. Aromatic notes reveal delicate nuances of red fruits (raspberry, currant), cherry eau-de-vie, precious wood, cocoa, and sweet spices, along with floral touches of rose and lilac. Smooth, refined, and silky, this wine charms with the velvety texture of its tannins and its aromatic persistence, forming superb pairings with tender meat, regional cheese (Époisses), or a squash and mushroom gratin.

François Bertheau Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru Les Charmes: The vigneron places great importance on understanding the terroir, characterized by clay and limestone soils, where the noble grape draws its elegance. The wine matures for 18 months in barrels, with a proportion of 20 to 30% new wood, revealing its complexity. After a few well-deserved years of aging, this wine unveils itself in a balanced register, combining elegance, character, and power. With a dense texture, it captivates with its complex bouquet. Enthusiasts will recognize classic pinot noir notes of red and black fruits, violet, and white pepper, as well as evolved aromas like prune, mushrooms, truffle, and musk. We recommend enjoying it with characterful dishes, such as truffle-infused brie.

Best Vintages and Other Nearby Stars

Chambolle-Musigny: Explore other prestigious estates in the Chambolle-Musigny appellation on Vins Et Millésimes: Groffier, Jacques Frédéric Mugnier, Georges Roumier, Sylvain Cathiard, Mugneret Gibourg, and many more.

Bonnes Mares: Discover other renowned estates in the Bonnes Mares appellation, one of the 2 Grands Crus in the commune of Chambolle-Musigny on 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 for 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 old vintages and grands crus, offers a wide selection of bottles or magnums from Domaine François Bertheau. Opt for the easiest solution to buy wine online: our bottles are all in stock and shipped within 48 to 72 hours, always at an advantageous price!