Domaine de Villaine
History
Domaine de Villaine is located in Bouzeron, nestled in the Côte Chalonnaise region between Chassagne-Montrachet and Santenay to the north and Rully and Mercurey to the south.
Planted with vines by the monks of Cluny in the Middle Ages, this small, sunny valley has a rich and lengthy tradition of producing quality wines which reflect their exceptional terroir.
Here, vines are grown exclusively on the slopes : the nutrient-poor, limestone-rich soil allows precise yield control, while a warm microclimate favors ripening of the grapes.
Farming and Philosophy
Since 1986, Domaine de Villaine has been certified organic by Qualicé-France, committing to methods that preserve the natural balance of soil and vines. The estate avoids pesticides and herbicides, relying only on organic vegetal compost for fertilization. Careful attention is also given to the vines themselves: through selective planting, sevre pruning, and occasional pre-harvest thinning, yields are meticulously controlled. As a result, harvests average about 20% lower than the maximum allowed by the already-strict AC regulations, allowing each wine to fully express the character of its varietal and the nuances of its exceptional terroir.
