Marc Soyard - Domaine de la Cras

History of Domaine de la Cras - Marc Soyard

The history of Domaine de la Cras begins in 2013, when the city of Dijon acquired this vast 160-hectare agricultural property to counter rampant urbanization and preserve the green belt of the metropolitan area. Nestled between Dijon, Plombières-lès-Dijon, and Corcelles-les-Monts, this estate embodies an ambition: to revitalize living peri-urban agriculture and bring back to life a forgotten wine terroir, the Coteaux de Dijon.

It is in this context that Marc Soyard, a young winemaker from the Jura without a family vineyard, was chosen to take the reins of the 8 hectares of vines. Trained for six years alongside Jean-Yves Bizot, an emblematic figure of Vosne-Romanée, Marc brings with him a philosophy of natural winemaking and a deep love for the terroir. Upon his arrival, he converted the vines to organic farming and integrated biodynamic practices, laying the foundations for sustainable viticulture. In exchange for managing the estate, Marc pays a symbolic rent of 2,000 bottles per year to the city, while having the freedom to produce and market his own wines.

Since 2014, the year of its first vintage, Domaine de la Cras has established itself as a reference for lovers of authentic Burgundy wines. Marc Soyard has succeeded in restoring the prestige of a once-renowned terroir, proving that the Coteaux de Dijon still have much to offer.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Domaine de la Cras - Marc Soyard

Domaine de la Cras benefits from a privileged location on a limestone and clay plateau, typical of Burgundy. The 8 hectares of vines, planted about thirty years ago, are divided into 5 hectares of Pinot Noir and 3 hectares of Chardonnay. These emblematic grape varieties thrive on well-drained soils, where limestone brings freshness and minerality, while clay provides structure and complexity to the wines.

The estate is distinguished by two types of parcels: the vineyard slopes, located at lower altitude, give rise to the "Coteaux de Dijon" cuvée, while the steeper and better-exposed parcels, such as those of "Grande Bessy" for Chardonnay and "En Bessy" for Pinot Noir, produce the "Cras" cuvée. This diversity allows Marc Soyard to fully express the richness of the terroir.

In addition, Marc cultivates two small personal parcels in the south of the Côte d'Or: one in Ladoix-Serrigny for the Hermaïon cuvée and another in Hautes-Côtes-de-Nuits. These vines, worked with the same care, enrich the estate's range. Certified organic and influenced by biodynamics, all the vines are manually plowed, without pesticides, to preserve soil life and the purity of the grapes.

Vinifications at Domaine de la Cras - Marc Soyard

Marc Soyard's winemaking philosophy is based on a simple principle: intervene as little as possible to let the terroir express itself. Faithful to the natural approach learned from Jean-Yves Bizot, he favors artisanal and respectful methods. The grapes are hand-sorted with extreme rigor before being vinified.

For the reds, Marc often uses whole clusters (up to 100% depending on the vintage), favoring gentle extractions and fermentations with indigenous yeasts. No chemical inputs are added, except for a minimal dose of SO2 at bottling, and only if necessary. The whites, produced from direct pressing, follow the same logic of purity, with fermentations in barrels to bring texture and complexity.

The aging, which generally lasts 15 to 18 months, takes place in Burgundian barrels, with a low percentage of new wood to preserve the freshness of the fruit. Marc also experiments with original woods such as chestnut and acacia, adding a touch of innovation to Burgundian tradition. The wines are neither filtered nor fined, guaranteeing an authentic and vibrant expression of the terroir. This non-interventionist approach produces energetic, digestible wines of rare finesse, perfect for purchasing premium wine.

The Cuvées of Domaine de la Cras - Marc Soyard

Domaine de la Cras offers a range of cuvées that reflect the diversity and quality of its terroir. 

Coteaux de Dijon Pinot Noir

Produced from the estate's lower-elevation vines, this cuvée embodies the accessible elegance of Burgundian Pinot Noir. With its notes of red fruits, violet, and sweet spices, it offers a silky and balanced palate. Vinified with natural yeasts and moderate aging, it is ideal for immediate enjoyment.

Coteaux de Dijon Chardonnay

This fresh and mineral white comes from the Chardonnay parcels of "Grande Bessy." Its aromas of green apple, lemon, and white flowers are accompanied by beautiful tension on the palate. Aged in barrels with a touch of wood, this wine seduces with its vivacity and unique Burgundian character.

Cras Rouge Monopole

A selection from the finest Pinot Noir parcels, vinified 100% with whole clusters and aged 18 months in barrels, this cuvée is a jewel of intensity. Its aromas of black fruits, undergrowth, and dried flowers combine with a velvety texture and fine tannins. An aging wine, but already delicious for lovers of great reds.

Cras Blanc Monopole

Produced from the heart of the Chardonnay parcels, this white wine reveals remarkable richness and complexity. Aged 18 months in new and used barrels, it unveils notes of stone fruits, hazelnut, and limestone minerality. Its ample and precise palate makes it an ideal companion for refined dishes.

Equilibriste Rouge

Designed for immediate pleasure, this sulfur-free cuvée comes from the Pinot Noir vines of En Bessy. Light and fruity, it bursts with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and floral notes. Perfect for an aperitif with friends, it embodies Burgundian conviviality.

Equilibriste Blanc

This sulfur-free Chardonnay, planted in Talant in 2018, offers radiant freshness. Its aromas of white fruits and citrus blend with a lively and saline palate. A bold cuvée that illustrates Marc Soyard's innovative spirit.

Hermaïon

From a parcel in Ladoix-Serrigny, this Pinot Noir cuvée is a rarity. With its notes of ripe fruits, spices, and undergrowth, it combines power and finesse. Aged 15 to 18 months, it seduces with its balance and aging potential.

Hautes-Côtes-de-Nuits

Produced from old Pinot Noir vines, this confidential cuvée reveals intense aromas of black fruits and licorice. Its elegant structure and silky tannins make it an exceptional wine, prized by connoisseurs.

Montrecul

A Pinot Noir of great finesse, this rare cuvée offers perfumes of blackberry, violet, and wild herbs. Carefully aged, it seduces with its delicate texture and length on the palate, perfect for special occasions.

Domaine de la Cras, led by the talented Marc Soyard, is an invitation to discover Burgundy in a new light. By reviving the Coteaux de Dijon, this estate proves that tradition and modernity can unite to create exceptional wines. Whether you're looking to buy an organic wine for casual tasting or an aging cuvée to enrich your cellar, the wines of Domaine de la Cras offer a unique experience. With their purity, energy, and authenticity, they embody the best of Burgundian viticulture. Explore our selection now and let yourself be seduced by these treasures at competitive prices!