Burgundy
Region
Burgundy, or "Bourgogne" in French, is at the heart of fine wines and First Growth ("Grands Crus") production and merchant activities of Maison Bonabaud, which remains true to its origins and to the spirit of its founders, more than a century ago (see About Us). Indeed, thanks to our intimate understanding of the nuances of the Burgundian terroir, our Maison, closely associated with some of the best growers in the Côtes de Nuits, meticulously selects vineyard plots, vinifies and ages exceptional wines and Grands Crus. In addition, the majority of Groupe Gauthier's commercial and logistical operations (especially towards Europe) are conducted from Beaune and Chambolle-Musigny.
The heritage, culture, and Art of Living that surround the wines of Burgundy matter just as much as the finesse of their taste. Maison Bonabaud, a member of Groupe Gauthier, is proud to promote the wealth of this exceptional terroir throughout the world. Classified World Heritage by UNESCO, the vineyards of Burgundy (called "Climats") offer an infinite palette of variations around the theme of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the 2 prominent grape varietals of Burgundy, as attested by a Decree from the Duke of Burgundy back in the 12th Century.
Grands Vins Maison Bonabaud: a Pinot Noir trilogy
From Dijon to Premeaux-Prissey, the vineyards of the Côte de Nuits region grow on a narrow and hilly strip of terroir, stretching for twenty kilometres long and sometimes only three hundred meters wide. This wine-growing region, often nicknamed the "Champs-Elysees" of Burgundy, brings together some of the most celebrated wine appellations worldwide.
Our wines are exclusively elaborated from biodynamic vineyards planted on the slopes of the Romanée-Echezeaux hill, at a minimum density of 10,000 vines per hectare.
All our wines are aged in French oak barrels for a strict minimum of 12 months, then many more months in bottles.
Maison Bonabaud wines originate from 5.3 hectares of vineyards surrounding the mythical village of Vosne-Romanée. We produce 3 red wines, from 3 vineyards, spreading over 3 different appellations: Vosne-Romanée, Échezeaux and Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits.
As such, our Maison is capable of offering 3 different expressions of Pinot Noir to lovers of spirited and elegant wines, as well as to fine wines and Grands Crus collectors.
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Échezeaux Grand Cru
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Like Clos de Vougeot, from which it is separated by a small wall, Échezeaux (AOC Grands Crus of 31st of July 1937) sits on the 12th Century foundations of the Abbey of Cîteaux. In the old Gallo-Roman language, the word "Chezeaux" meant "hamlets".
Our Grand Cru is made from a vineyard called "Les Treux", located halfway between the Clos de Vougeot and the Vosne-Romanée 1ers Crus. Les Treux is recognized as one of the most qualitative vineyards in the entire Échezeaux appellation. The 0.3 hectares land plot is grown biodynamically and hand-harvested. The grapes are hand-pressed, and the ageing in new French oak barrels lasts for up to 18 months, and continues for another 18 months upon bottling. Finally, each bottle is numbered and signed to guarantee its traceability.
In the glass, the colour is dark ruby, with dark purple hues. In recent vintages, aromas evoke scents of rose, violet or black cherry, while older vintages express notes of musk or prune. On the palate, the wine is full and expressive, precisely balanced between the firmness of the tannins and the smoothness of its texture, while the finish is exceptionally long. The density fully develops after 5 years of aging, but this wine can be kept for 25 years at least.
On the table, the power and structure of our Échezeaux Grand Cru demand dishes to match, such as braised pork, game, and succulent red meats. Vintage organic cheeses are ideal companions too.
Vosne-Romanée
The "Jewel in the Burgundy Crown" is globally renowned for its fabulous Grands Crus: Romanée-Conti, Romanée Saint-Vivant, La Romanée, La Tâche, Richebourg and, in the twin village of Flagey-Échezeaux, Échezeaux and Grands-Échezeaux. Established in 1936, the appellation Vosne-Romanée and its 1ers Crus represent the most sublime expression of Pinot Noir. Vosne-Romanée is located on either side of the Grands Crus area, at various altitudes on the slopes. The soil (limestone mixed with clay) is suitable for the elaboration of expressive wines.
Maison Bonabaud has selected plots from a climat called "Les Communes" to produce our grand wine ("Grand Vin"), the "Cuvée des Cabottes". The harvest is manual, the fermentation is traditional, and the ageing lasts for a minimum of 12 months before continuing for another 12 months upon bottling.
In the glass, the dominant colour is fiery red, with intense ruby hues. Aromas of ripe red fruits and spices dominate, and will evolve over time towards Morello cherries and musk. On the palate, the texture is firm, yet notably smooth and elegant. The finish is impressively long too: this is the hallmark of a World-class Pinot Noir. A truly fine wine, perfectly balanced between texture and structure.
On the table, this expressive wine, combining power and softness, will demand robust meat dishes, such as roasted birds, game and braised lamb. It will also match perfectly a beef tenderloin and spicy oriental dishes. Given its strong presence, our Vosne-Romanée may also be paired with soft vintage cheeses.
Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits
The Bourgogne Haute-Côtes de Nuits appellation covers the South-facing ridges that cut through the limestone tableland of the Côtes de Nuits region, between 275m and 480m of altitude. First mentioned 1,400 years ago, this vineyard is experiencing a revival after having practically disappeared due to philloxera, at the beginning of the 20th century.
Maison Bonabaud produces an authentic, approachable wine from a 3.5 hectares biodynamic vineyard. This plot, one of few in this appellation to be planted at 10,000 vines per hectare, overlooks the village of Vosne-Romanée, at 400 meters of altitude. This wine truly expresses the purity of a cold climate Pinot Noir.
On the palate, the wine boasts a red cherry colour, with clear ruby hues. Aromas are slightly spicy with notes of cherry, strawberry and red currant. The wine is soft on the palate, with a decidedly fruity character and crisp tannins. The finish is refreshing thanks to light peppermint notes.
This is a festive wine that may be enjoyed in all circumstances: as an aperitif, or together with comfort and country food, such as Burgundian or Swiss fondues, grilled chicken skewers, cold cuts, or a pork terrine. The most powerful vintages will accompany a chicken and mushroom casserole, or a black pepper Angus or Charolais beef. Among cheeses, organic Morbier or Gruyère are ideal, while desserts such as cherry tarts or red berries gratin are highly recommended.
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