Following the 2022 merger of Bouchard Père & Fils with Artémis Domaines, significant changes are underway in the Burgundy wine scene. As part of a structural division, Bouchard has established a new entity called Domaine des Cabottes, set to feature the finest cuvées from its portfolio. The first wines from this domain will be labeled as such starting with the 2023 vintage, which will be released in 2026.
Domaine des Cabottes will include grand crus like Montrachet and Chevalier-Montrachet La Cabotte, as well as historic premiers crus such as Volnay Caillerets and Vigne de l’Enfant Jésus. This newly formed domain will cover approximately 35 hectares (86.5 acres) and will comprise 20 cuvées.
Wines from Domaine des Cabottes will be vinified in a new winery currently under construction at Château de Puligny-Montrachet, acquired as part of the merger. Operations for both estates—Bouchard Père & Fils and Domaine des Cabottes—will run independently, each with its own dedicated winemaking team. Frédéric Weber, who has been with Bouchard since 2003, will lead Domaine des Cabottes, supported by Mickael Baroin, the new technical director of Bouchard Père & Fils.
The decision to divide Bouchard’s vineyards also stems from the need for precision in vineyard management. Some Côte de Nuits parcels have been reassigned to Domaine d’Eugénie, helping to streamline operations and improve the quality of the wines, as managing parcels over a large area proved difficult.
Post-merger, the focus has shifted towards investing more into both the vineyards and the winery, enabling Frédéric Weber to enhance production techniques and pursue organic practices. The aim is to elevate the profile of Bouchard and its cuvées, especially in comparison to other quality domainnes in Burgundy.
Engerer, the CEO of Artémis Domaines, has stated that the intention is not just to elevate prices but to raise awareness of the undervalued Beaune cuvées. Some vineyards will be shared between Bouchard and Domaine des Cabottes, allowing for two distinct expressions from the same terroir.
Bouchard Père & Fils will continue to manage the majority of Côte de Beaune vineyards, and the flagship cuvée, Beaune du Château, will remain under its control. The new name, Domaine des Cabottes, signifies a connection to Burgundy’s heritage, with "cabottes" referring to the traditional shelters used by vineyard workers, further linking the new domaine to its prized Chevalier parcels.
Moving forward, the wines under Domaine des Cabottes will include prestigious labels such as Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru, Corton Grand Cru, and others, promising to shine a spotlight on the exquisite terroir and history of the region.
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