In total, Domaine Couturier farms 11 hectares of chardonnay vineyards in multiple appellations surrounding the village of Loché in the Mâconnais region of southern Burgundy. Most of their vines are quite old, with many parcels exceeding 70 years of age. The family has always had a vineyard-first philosophy, which is exemplified by the dirt-stained hands of Marcel, a man who has lived his life working the vineyards of southern Burgundy. They use a number of methods to protect the grapes as they develop, such as braiding the vines in warm years to keep them in the shade, and rigorous pruning in rainy years to avoid rot.
With the arrival of Auxence Couturier in the vineyards, the Domaine was certified organic (Ecocert, 2021) and certified biodynamic (Demeter, 2022) methods. The hardworking father and son team incorporate regenerative practices, working their soils with ground cover between rows to revitalize the hard, poor, clay soils, which greatly benefit from the aeration and the introduction of organic materials. Biodynamic compost, made at the estate with grape marc and horse and cattle manure, is added to the green compost planted between the rows to improve the soils. This method provides a significant supply of naturally occurring nitrogen and humus, due to the mix of cover crops planted between the rows (clover, field pea, radish, fava bean, and rye). The cover crops also serve to lower the ground temperature near the vines up to ten degrees in the heat of summer, which makes a big difference in preserving acidity in chardonnay. The goal is always to have the most outstanding healthy soil and natural conditions to produce exceptional, refined fruit with a balanced structure and the ability to age for a decade or more.
Domaine Couturier builds their wines for the long haul, which has been demonstrated by Marcel on many occasions by opening 10-to-15 year verticals of even their most humble appellations, making one thing clear—these wines are made to impress for many years to come. The domaine drives this point home by bottling with top-grade natural corks that are primed for a long voyage in the cellar.
Domaine Couturier Bourgogne Blanc is made from an average of 15- to 20-year-old vines planted in vineyards near village of Loché in the Mâconnais region of southern Burgundy, where soils consist of a schist topsoil with calcareous clay subsoil and lots of limestone—the ideal circumstances for elegant, vivacious chardonnay wines.
Couturier Bourgogne Blanc has a nose reminiscent of spring, with its sweet scents of lime blossom and chamomile, and aromas of ripe, fresh yellow fruit. On the palate, it’s pure indulgence; full-bodied and fleshy, underlined by a fine, racy acidity; a wine full of juicy, fresh fruit and an incredible finish.
Region
Burgundy
Subregion
Mâconnais
Elevation
200m
Grapes
100% Chardonnay
Vine Age
15-20 years old
Soil
Schist topsoil with calcareous clay subsoil
Vinification
Handpicked, whole bunches are pressed with two days of static settling to remove solids. Spontaneous alcoholic fermentation with ambient yeasts in used French Burgundy barrels (10-to-15 years-old).
MLF
Spontaneous in the same barrels.
Aging
Eight months in fermentation barrel without bâtonnage. Racked once prior to bottling.
Farming
Certified Organic (Ecocert 2021), Certified Biodynamic (Demeter 2022)
Fining/Filtration
Unfined, light filtration before bottling
SO2
14g/L
Vegan
Yes
ABV
13%
Pack Size
12x750mL