François de Nicolay

History of Domaine François de Nicolay

Founded as an extension of Domaine Chandon de Briailles, a family property since 1834, Domaine François de Nicolay is part of a long Burgundian winemaking tradition. François de Nicolay, born in 1970, took over the reins of the estate alongside his sister Claude, bringing a breath of modernity while preserving the family heritage. After an international career marked by experiences in Europe, the United States and Hong Kong, François returned to his roots in the 2000s. A winemaking internship in Oregon reinforced his passion for wine, pushing him to devote himself fully to viticulture.

In 2005, the estate adopted biodynamics, a visionary approach that revolutionized its practices. Certified by Ecocert and Demeter in 2011, it is committed to producing living wines, in harmony with nature. At the same time, François launched his négociant business, a personal project that allows him to explore winemaking without sulfur and diversify his range. This négociant business, focused on organic and biodynamic grapes, embodies his quest for purity and authenticity, while making his wines accessible to a diverse clientele, from enthusiasts to connoisseurs.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Domaine François de Nicolay

Domaine François de Nicolay extends over 13.7 hectares, covering prestigious appellations such as Savigny-lès-Beaune, Pernand-Vergelesses, Aloxe-Corton and the legendary Corton hill. These terroirs, among the most emblematic of Burgundy, offer a diversity of soils – clay-limestone, limestone or chalky – which give the wines their unique character. The king grape varieties, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, flourish here, joined by Aligoté and Gamay for certain cuvées.

Biodynamic viticulture, adopted since 2005, is at the heart of the estate's approach. The soils are worked with draft horses, a respectful method that preserves the microfauna and the structure of the land. This practice, combined with the use of biodynamic preparations, promotes healthy and balanced vines, capable of fully expressing the uniqueness of each parcel. Whether on the clay soils of Pernand-Vergelesses or the limestone lands of Corton, each vine is cultivated with artisanal precision, guaranteeing grapes of exceptional quality.

Winemaking at Domaine François de Nicolay

The winemaking philosophy of Domaine François de Nicolay rests on a fundamental principle: intervene as little as possible to let the terroir express itself. The grapes, harvested by hand, come from organic or biodynamic farming, guaranteeing raw material of irreproachable purity. In the cellar, fermentations are spontaneous, carried out with indigenous yeasts, and the wines are aged without filtration or fining, often without added sulfur or with minimal doses.

The aging takes place in an old cellar in Savigny-lès-Beaune, where the wines rest in used oak barrels or stainless steel tanks, depending on the cuvées. This non-interventionist approach, without pumping or rack and return, preserves the freshness and elegance of the wines. Each step, from winemaking to manual bottling, is designed to respect the integrity of the grape and reveal the typicity of each vintage. The result: vibrant, gourmet wines faithful to their origins.

The wines of Domaine François de Nicolay

Domaine François de Nicolay offers a diverse range of cuvées, each highlighting a specific terroir or grape variety. Here is an overview of the wines, perfect for any wine purchase seeking authenticity and quality.

Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru Red "Les Vergelesses"

This Pinot Noir, from clay soils, offers silky tannins and aromas of ripe red fruits. Aged 18 months in used barrels, without filtration or added sulfur, it captivates with its finesse and elegant structure.

Mercurey Red

A gourmet Pinot Noir, partially destemmed, spontaneously fermented in used barrels for 12 to 18 months. Its fruity notes and velvety texture make it an ideal choice for lovers of accessible red wines.

Mâcon Villages

This Chardonnay, aged in barrels after fermentation in stainless steel tanks, reveals floral aromas and beautiful minerality, thanks to 50-year-old vines on limestone and clay soils.

Savigny-lès-Beaune Les Vermots

Made from Chardonnay grown on limestone soils, this wine offers vibrant freshness and notes of white fruits. Aged 12 months in 500-liter barrels, it embodies the elegance of the appellation.

Mercurey Les Montelons

A single-vineyard Chardonnay, fermented and aged in 500-liter barrels, combining aromatic richness and mineral tension, with no added sulfur.

Rully Les Maizières

This Chardonnay, from young vines on clay-limestone soils, reveals beautiful vibrancy after 14 months of aging in used barrels.

Bourgogne Red

A Pinot Noir from two parcels, aged 18 months in barrels, offering aromas of black fruits and a silky texture, without additives.

Objectif Bulles

This natural sparkling wine made from Chardonnay, crafted using the ancestral method, captivates with its freshness and fine bubbles, with minimal added sulfur.

Ladoix "Les Briquottes"

A structured Pinot Noir, fermented in concrete tanks and aged 18 months in barrels, expressing notes of cherry and beautiful length.

Coteaux de Champlitte Red and White

These cuvées, respectively in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, offer an accessible approach with spontaneous fermentations and 18-month aging without sulfur.

Clos Vougeot Red

A prestigious Pinot Noir, from limestone-clay soils, which combines power and elegance with aging without filtration.

Bouzeron White

A fresh and lively Aligoté, aged 14 months in barrels, perfect for discovering this emblematic Burgundy grape variety.

Chablis 1er Cru "Vau de Vey"

This Chardonnay, from 50-year-old vines, offers intense minerality and remarkable purity, with no added sulfur.

Côte de Nuits "Aux Montagnes"

A complex Pinot Noir, aged 24 months in barrels, which captivates with its depth and aromas of ripe fruits.

Mâcon Azé

An elegant Chardonnay, fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged in barrels, offering beautiful harmony between fruit and minerality.

Beaujolais Cuvée des "Beaux Jours"

A fresh Pinot Noir, crafted using semi-carbonic maceration, perfect for immediate pleasure.

Ladoix 1er Cru "Les Gréchons"

This Chardonnay, from limestone soils, combines richness and freshness after aging in barrels.

Mercurey "Les Montelons" Red

A fruity and structured Pinot Noir, aged 12 to 18 months in used barrels, without sulfur.

Côtes de Beaune "La Grande Châtelaine"

An elegant Chardonnay, aged 12 months in barrels, which captivates with its finesse and citrus notes.

Saint-Romain

This Chardonnay, from 35-year-old vines, offers beautiful tension and white fruit aromas after 10 months of aging.

Hautes-Côtes de Beaune "En Champans"

A fresh Chardonnay, aged 12 months in barrels, perfect for discovering lesser-known appellations.

Ladoix "Les Vris"

This Chardonnay, aged 10 to 12 months, combines vibrancy and roundness on limestone-clay soils.

Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru "Aux Clous"

An elegant Pinot Noir, aged 16 months in barrels, offering aromas of red fruits and a silky texture.

Domaine François de Nicolay is an essential reference for Burgundy wine enthusiasts. By combining tradition, biodynamics and natural winemaking, François de Nicolay offers cuvées of rare authenticity, where each bottle tells a story of terroir and passion. Order now to savor these Burgundian treasures at the best price, and let yourself be seduced by living, elegant wines that respect nature.