Maison A&S

History of Maison A&S

The adventure of Maison A&S began in 2018 on the initiative of two passionate and complementary young Burgundians, Pierre-Alexandre Soltana and Alexandre Aires. Both honed their skills at the greatest estates of the Côte de Beaune and the Côte de Nuits. Alexandre began his winemaking career in 2009 during harvest, before becoming in 2011 cellar assistant at Domaine de Bellene, led by Nicolas Potel, where he worked for eight years while completing several winemaking internships abroad, in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and the United States. He is today cellar master at Domaine Thibault Liger-Belair. Pierre-Alexandre, for his part, holds the coveted position of head of viticulture at the prestigious Domaine des Comtes Lafon in Meursault.

The duo wishes to master the entire chain, from vine to commercialization, with a view to achieving the very highest quality. The first three vintages — 2018, 2019, and 2020 — were vinified in a 17th-century vaulted cellar rented in Chagny. In 2021, Maison A&S took a decisive step forward by acquiring a winery and land in Nantoux, in the Hautes Côtes de Beaune. In 2022, a first parcel of pinot noir was acquired in Hautes Côtes de Beaune, followed in 2023 by a parcel in the Pommard village appellation. Spring 2024 also saw the first planting around the winery, in AOC Hautes Côtes de Beaune, marking the gradual transition from négociant-vinificateur to full-fledged estate.

Terroirs and Vines of Maison A&S

Maison A&S today extends its activity across the Côte de Beaune, with a firmly rooted presence in Nantoux, a charming village in the Hautes Côtes de Beaune. The estate's own vineyard represents nearly one hectare spread between Hautes Côtes de Beaune and Pommard — a heritage in full development that the house regularly expands. For the remainder, the two friends purchase grapes from growers working with organic farming methods, favoring loyalty to the same parcels year after year, thus building genuine relationships of trust with the owners.

The clay-limestone soils of the Côte de Beaune, with their varied exposures, provide an ideal terrain for pinot noir and chardonnay. The old vines, particularly those at Mandelot planted in 1960 for the Hautes Côtes de Beaune rouge, testify to the house's commitment to characterful grapes from patiently selected parcels. Vineyard work is rigorous, attentive to soils and plant material, following a resolutely organic approach.

Winemaking at Maison A&S

At the Nantoux winery, Maison A&S has invested in high-end winemaking equipment that respects the integrity of the fruit: wooden and stainless steel vats, a destemmer, a vibrating sorting table, a conveyor belt sorter, and an open-cage horizontal mechanical press in oak wood. The grapes are sorted with extreme care upon arrival, destemmed or not depending on the vintage and the desired profile.

Winemaking is carried out without the addition of inputs, using indigenous yeasts naturally present on the berries, with foot treading and gentle extraction in order to preserve the fruit, freshness, and digestibility of the wines. The aging process, slow and delicate, takes place in oak barrels with very little new wood, the objective being to support the wine without marking it. Bottling takes place after at least one year of aging, with minimal sulfur addition, sometimes only at bottling. This micro-cuvée approach gives rise to balanced, fine, and delicate whites, and to crunchy, juicy reds marked by the purity of red and dark fruit and the elegance of pinot noir.

The cuvées of Maison A&S

Bourgogne Aligoté: a cuvée paying tribute to a long-underestimated grape variety, this Bourgogne Aligoté from Maison A&S reveals the full rediscovered nobility of the cépage. The nose offers notes of citrus, white flowers, and green apple, while the palate stands out for its salivating tension, mineral vibrance, and beautiful length. A gastronomic and refreshing white, a perfect reflection of the house's expertise.

Bourgogne Chardonnay: this white Bourgogne opens on an inviting nose of white fruits — pear, sweet apple, fresh almond — and delicate vanilla notes. The palate, fresh and round, reveals a beautiful richness coating the mouth, perfectly integrated oak, and a fine acidity that supports the whole. A well-balanced and refined wine for aperitif and gastronomy alike.

Bourgogne Chardonnay Le Fourneau Sud: a single-parcel selection from a specific lieu-dit, this cuvée pushes the expression of chardonnay further. The wine stands out for its denser body, precise mineral framework, and a long finish marked by toasted notes and a light buttery quality, hallmarks of careful aging.

Hautes Côtes de Beaune blanc: from chardonnays planted on the heights of the Côte de Beaune, this white reveals an airy nose of white flowers, citrus, and flint. The palate combines freshness, liveliness, and finesse in a delicate, elegant, and particularly easy-drinking style.

Hautes Côtes de Beaune rouge: from vines planted in 1960 on the lieu-dit Mandelot, this cuvée charms with its remarkably clear color and its expressive nose of raspberry and tart red berries. The palate is light, fresh, and tangy, with low tannins — perfectly representative of the house's pure, crunchy, and easy-drinking style.

Maranges rouge: a village cuvée from the Maranges appellation, at the southernmost tip of the Côte de Beaune. The wine offers a more generous character, aromas of dark fruits (cherry, blackberry), undergrowth, and gentle spices, supported by a structured yet supple palate crafted to accompany hearty cuisine.

Pommard village: a new estate cuvée following the acquisition of a parcel in 2023, this Pommard expresses all the contained power and structured nobility characteristic of the appellation. Deep color, intense nose of fleshy dark fruits, licorice, and spices, dense and structured palate supported by well-integrated tannins and a persistent finish built for aging.