Drouhin

History of Domaine Joseph Drouhin

The history of Domaine Joseph Drouhin began in 1880 when Joseph, then 22 years old, acquired an old business in the heart of Beaune. He thus founded the trading house that would bear his name. Joseph's objective was clear from the start: to offer wines of impeccable quality whilst valorising the diversity of Burgundian wines. From its beginnings, Maison Drouhin engaged not only as a merchant but also as a producer and owner of its own plots.

In 1918, Maurice Drouhin succeeded his father Joseph and adopted a bold strategy: acquiring vineyards to establish a true family domain. He notably acquired the famous Clos des Mouches terroir in 1921, marking the beginning of a long series of prestigious parcels. Maurice proved to be a visionary, originating the domain's establishment in iconic areas such as Beaune, Chablis, and other grand appellations.

Robert Drouhin, his successor from 1957, continued this expansion by investing heavily in vineyards in the Côte de Nuits and Chablis. He was also one of the pioneers of biodynamic viticulture in Burgundy. In 1987, with the help of his daughter Véronique, he founded Domaine Drouhin Oregon in the United States, thus exporting Burgundian expertise across the Atlantic.

Today, the fourth generation of Drouhins – Philippe, Véronique, Laurent, and Frédéric – manages the domain with passion and rigour, perpetuating the family values of excellence, respect for nature, and innovation. The fifth generation is already prepared to take over, with Laurène, Véronique's eldest daughter, having joined the company in 2020.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Domaine Joseph Drouhin

With 93 hectares spread across the main Burgundian appellations, Domaine Joseph Drouhin is one of the largest in the region. Its terroir extends from the prestigious vineyards of the Côte de Nuits to the limestone soils of Chablis, passing through the sunny climates of the Côte de Beaune and the slopes of the Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais. The majority of these vines are planted with Burgundy's emblematic grape varieties: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

The domain cultivates a triple respect for terroir, vine, and wine, emphasising the diversity of each climate. Each plot is tended with meticulous care to reveal the best of its unique characteristics, whether it be the clay-limestone soils of the Côte de Beaune or the steep slopes of Chablis. For several decades, Maison Drouhin has practised organic and biodynamic viticulture, favouring natural methods such as horse ploughing, grass cover, and the use of plant infusions to treat the vines.

Among the mythical terroirs held by the House are historic parcels such as the Clos des Mouches in Beaune, the Montrachet Marquis de Laguiche and the Musigny, and the Corton-Charlemagne. Thanks to these judicious acquisitions, the domain benefits from unparalleled richness in the region.

Vinification at Domaine Joseph Drouhin

The vinification process at Joseph Drouhin is based on a constant concern to preserve the integrity of the grape and reveal the purity of each terroir. Respecting the natural rhythm of each climate, the harvests are carried out by hand, often in small perforated crates to preserve the fruits in their entirety. The grapes are then carefully sorted before being destemmed.

In the cellar, vinification is equally respectful of the raw material. The domain favours indigenous yeasts and adopts a slow and controlled fermentation, with light punching down and pumping over for the reds. For whites, vertical or horizontal presses are used depending on the vintage and grape variety. The wines are then aged in oak barrels, some of which are made from selected oaks dried for three years to refine the tannins.

The emphasis is on tailored vinification, respecting the rhythm of each terroir and climate. This approach allows for the production of wines of remarkable finesse and complexity, with a unique style that combines harmony, elegance, and precision.

The Cuvées of Domaine Joseph Drouhin

Domaine Joseph Drouhin offers an extensive range of prestigious wines, spread across several emblematic Burgundy appellations.

Grands Crus : Chablis Grand Cru : Bougros, Preuses, Vaudésir, Les Clos; Chambertin-Clos de Bèze ; Griotte-Chambertin ; Bonnes Mares ; Musigny ; Clos de Vougeot ; Échezeaux ; Grands-Échezeaux ; Corton-Bressandes ; Corton-Charlemagne ; Bâtard-Montrachet

Premiers Crus :Chablis 1st Cru : Moireins, Montée de Tonnerre, Mont de Milieu, Epinottes, Vaillons, Roncières, Montmains ; Chambolle-Musigny 1st cru : Amoureuses, Borniques, Groseilles, Plantes, Hauts Doix ; Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Petits Monts ; Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru Les Procès ; Beaune 1st Cru Clos des Mouches, Blanches Fleurs, Grèves ; Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chênes

Village : Chablis ; Savigny-les-Beaune ; Pommard Village ; Meursault ; Rully

Each cuvée is produced in limited quantities, guaranteeing wines of great precision that reflect the unique characteristics of each terroir.

Domaine Joseph Drouhin is distinguished by the consistency and quality of its vintages. Among recent years not to be missed, we can cite 2019, 2018, and 2016, recognised for their balance and aromatic intensity. Older vintages such as 2015, 2012, and 2010 are also highly sought after, offering more mature and complex wines. Finally, lovers of wines for ageing can turn to the years 2005, 1999, and 1990, mythical vintages that reveal all the grandeur of Burgundy wines over time.

Besides Domaine Joseph Drouhin, the Burgundy region is home to other great wine estates, such as Louis Latour, Louis Jadot, Faiveley, and Bouchard Père & Fils, whose exceptional wines are also worth discovering.

Domaine Joseph Drouhin stands as a true reference in Burgundy, combining tradition and innovation to produce wines of unparalleled finesse. Thanks to its commitment to nature and winemaking expertise passed down through four generations, the house continues to enchant wine lovers around the world.