Le Grappin

History of Le Grappin & Du Grappin

The story of Le Grappin begins with Andrew Nielsen, an Australian whose life took a decisive turn after tasting a bottle of Dujac Clos de la Roche in 2006. Leaving behind a career in publishing and advertising, Andrew embarked on a worldwide quest to master Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, learning his craft alongside iconic producers such as Kosta Browne in California, Felton Road in New Zealand, Coldstream Hills in Australia, and Simon Bize in Burgundy. It was in Burgundy, working with Patrick Bize in Savigny-lès-Beaune, that Andrew's vision for Le Grappin crystallised: championing underestimated vineyards and allowing their unique voices to shine through minimal-intervention winemaking.

In 2011, Andrew and his English wife, Emma, launched Le Grappin in the former cellar of Fanny Sabre in Beaune, just a few steps from the town hall. Initially splitting their time between London and Burgundy, the couple eventually settled permanently to dedicate themselves to their business. Emma, with her background in marketing and project management, joined Andrew full-time in 2015, bringing structure and vision to their growing négociant business. Their shared passion for authenticity and sustainability has made Le Grappin a beacon of modern Burgundian winemaking, with wines now celebrated in Michelin-starred restaurants and vibrant wine bars around the world, from Paris to London.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Le Grappin & Du Grappin

Le Grappin and Du Grappin source their grapes from meticulously selected plots in Burgundy, the Côte d'Or, the Mâconnais, the Beaujolais, and the Rhône, prioritising organic farming and long-term relationships with passionate growers. Unlike many négociants in pursuit of prestigious appellations, the Nielsens seek out hidden gems — plots that may lack renown but overflow with character. Their vineyards, with an average age of 50 years, are farmed according to organic principles, and some partnerships have lasted more than a decade. This commitment ensures exceptional grape quality, allowing the unique microclimate, soil, and aspect of each site to shine.

In the Côte d'Or, Le Grappin focuses on sites such as Savigny-lès-Beaune, Beaune 1er Cru, and Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, where limestone-rich soils and varied exposures produce complex, age-worthy wines. The Du Grappin range comes from the Mâconnais (Mâcon-Villages, Aligoté), the Beaujolais (Fleurie, Côte de Brouilly, Saint Amour), and the Rhône (Cinsault), where granite, schist, and limestone soils lend freshness and vivacity. Among the most remarkable vineyards, Merlutte in Vézelay stands out for its iodine-rich Kimmeridgian soils, and Les Raisses in Lancié, where 50-year-old Gamay vines thrive on decomposed granite. Each plot bears witness to the Nielsens' philosophy: a fine wine begins with great terroir, tended by dedicated growers.

Winemaking at Le Grappin & Du Grappin

The Nielsens' winemaking is a masterclass in restraint and precision, designed to let the terroir speak. Working by hand in their historic winery in Beaune, they employ minimal-intervention techniques: fermentation with indigenous yeasts, whole-cluster vinification, and minimal sulphur additions, generally only at bottling. The red wines, often fermented in large concrete or oak vats, avoid excessive extraction in order to preserve freshness and elegance. The whites are whole-cluster pressed and fermented in a variety of vessels — old oak barrels, concrete eggs, or foudres — to enhance texture and minerality without overpowering the fruit.

Le Grappin wines, such as the Savigny-lès-Beaune Rouge and the Beaune 1er Cru Boucherottes, are crafted for intensity and ageing potential, with extended ageing in neutral oak to develop complexity. Du Grappin wines, such as the Beaujolais-Villages Nature and the Mâcon-Villages Blanc, prioritise drinkability and are often subject to carbonic maceration or shorter ageing to highlight vibrant fruit and vivacity. The Nielsens' commitment to sustainability extends to packaging, with eco-friendly formats such as bag-in-box and reusable kegs for Du Grappin, as well as capsule-free bottles and recycled cardboard in the United Kingdom. Every step, from vine to bottle, reflects their dedication to authenticity and environmental responsibility.

The Cuvées of Le Grappin & Du Grappin

Le Grappin and Du Grappin offer a diverse portfolio of wines, each a unique expression of its terroir. Here is a detailed overview of their cuvées:

Bourgogne Aligoté

Sourced from 80-year-old vines at La Roche-Vineuse in Mâcon, this Aligoté is grown on Bathonian calcareous marl. Foot-pressed and fermented in concrete for 11 months, it is bottled without sulphur, offering vibrant aromas of citrus and green apple, along with a creamy texture.

Bourgogne Aligoté Skin

From the same vineyard, this orange-tinged Aligoté undergoes a seven-day carbonic maceration, resulting in a captivating, floral wine with notes of lemon and green apple — a perfect introduction to orange wine.

Beaujolais-Villages Nature

From the Les Raisses vineyard in Lancié, this 50-year-old Gamay is fermented as whole clusters in concrete and aged in large oak vats. Bottled unfined with minimal sulphur, it bursts with flavours of red berries and cherries.

Fleurie-Poncié

From old vines on the ridge of Fleurie, this Beaujolais Cru undergoes a three-week aromatic fermentation inspired by Jules Chauvet. Unfined and unfiltered, it delivers deep cherry fruitiness and vibrant acidity with excellent ageing potential.

Côte de Brouilly

From the Conroy vineyard on the slopes of Mont Brouilly, this Gamay is fermented as whole clusters for three weeks and aged in neutral barrels. Its chalky tannins and red fruit notes make it a Beaujolais classic.

Saint Amour

From the Grande Charrière, this Gamay is fermented as whole clusters for three weeks in neutral foudres. Its granite, slate, and clay soils yield a rich and elegant wine with vibrant fruitiness and great finesse.

Hautes-Côtes de Beaune Derrière Baubigny Blanc

From 40-year-old Chardonnay vines on limestone and mica soils, this wine is whole-cluster pressed and aged in foudre and old barrels. Its mineral profile makes it ideal for pairing with seafood.

Savigny-lès-Beaune Blanc

From steep vines on eroded calcareous marl, this Chardonnay is foot-trodden, slowly pressed, and aged in neutral barrels for 10 months. Its fresh minerality and balanced fruitiness make it a remarkable wine.

Savigny-lès-Beaune Rouge

From 60-year-old Pinot Noir vines at Les Fournaux, this wine blends 30% destemmed grapes with whole-cluster fermentation. Aged in 300-litre barrels, it offers silky tannins and vibrant fruitiness.

Beaune 1er Cru Boucherottes Rouge

From 40-year-old vines near Pommard, this Pinot Noir blends whole-cluster and destemmed grapes, aged in 300L barrels. Its structured elegance makes it perfect for cellaring.

Beaune 1er Cru Les Grèves Blanc

Sourced from rare Chardonnay vines on a site worthy of a Grand Cru, this wine is whole-cluster pressed and aged in 400L barrels. Its gravelly limestone soils impart rich fruitiness and great minerality.

Vézelay Blanc

From 35-year-old Chardonnay vines on the Kimmeridgian soils of La Merlutte, this wine is fermented in foudre and concrete eggs. It offers weight, salinity, and a lively finish.

Mâcon-Villages Blanc

From Chardonnay vines aged 30 to 80 years in Azé, this wine is pressed in large barrels for indigenous fermentation. Its tangy notes of apple, pear, and lemon shine with a crisp minerality.

Cinsault

From the Nyons area of the Rhône, this Cinsault undergoes carbonic fermentation and ages in stainless steel. Its bright red fruitiness and juicy acidity make it an ideal wine served slightly chilled.

Le Grappin x Vin Noé Bulles

The result of a collaboration between two sparkling wine producers, this cuvée offers effervescent charm and vibrant fruitiness, ideal for celebrations.

Montagny 1er Cru Blanc

A rich and textured Chardonnay from Montagny, this wine balances fruit and minerality, showcasing the potential of the Mâconnais.

Le Grappin and Du Grappin represent the pinnacle of artisan winemaking in Burgundy, blending tradition and innovation to create wines that breathe authenticity and character. Andrew and Emma Nielsen's commitment to sustainable farming, minimal-intervention winemaking, and environmentally conscious packaging makes their wines essential for enthusiasts seeking quality and conscience in every bottle. From the age-worthy Le Grappin cuvées to the playful, easy-drinking Du Grappin range, their portfolio offers something for every palate. Explore our selection of Le Grappin and Du Grappin wines and enjoy the best prices on these exceptional Burgundian treasures. Buy them now and discover the soul of Burgundy in every sip!