Goisot

History of the Goisot Estate

The Goisot Estate is rooted in the rich viticultural history of Burgundy, particularly in the village of Saint-Bris-le-Vineux, where the family has been established since the 14th century. This terroir, marked by characteristic limestone soils, is ideal for viticulture. However, the true transformation of the estate began in 1979, when Ghislaine and Jean-Hugues Goisot took over the family business with a new vision: a total commitment to environmentally friendly agriculture.

They quickly adopted organic farming practices, and in 2001, the estate received ECOCERT certification, formalising this approach. In 2005, they took another step forward by obtaining Demeter certification for biodynamic agriculture. This year also marked the arrival of their son Guilhem and his wife Marie, who continue the family values of respect for the land and viticultural precision. Today, the Goisot Estate continues to combine centuries-old traditions with modern techniques to produce exceptional wines.

Terroirs and Vineyards of the Goisot Estate

The Goisot Estate is located in the Auxerrois region, in northern Burgundy, an area renowned for its unique terroirs, often compared to those of prestigious Chablis. The 30-hectare vineyard is mainly distributed around Saint-Bris-le-Vineux, Irancy and Chablis. The estate's soil is rich in Jurassic marl and limestone, providing the vines with exceptional minerality.

One of the peculiarities of the Goisot Estate is its planting density. While the norm in Burgundy is generally between 4,500 and 7,000 vines per hectare, the Goisot Estate plants up to 10,000 vines per hectare. This choice encourages competition between the vines, producing more concentrated, complex grapes with optimal ripeness. This attention to detail is also reflected in cultivation practices, where everything is designed to promote grape quality. For example, severe de-budding is practised each spring to limit excessive grape production and reduce humidity between the vines.

The estate completely bans chemical products in favour of manual prophylactic methods, such as leaf removal on the east-facing side, allowing better aeration of the bunches. Biodynamics, with its plant-based preparations and respect for the lunar calendar, is at the heart of the estate's cultivation practices.

Vinification at the Goisot Estate

The Goisot Estate applies a vinification philosophy based on the idea that "wine is made in the vineyard, not in the cellar". This motto, dear to the family, means that the quality of the grape takes precedence over all other stages of the process. Thus, the harvest is a crucial moment when each plot is harvested at optimal maturity after careful tasting of the grapes.

Once in the cellar, the bunches are rigorously sorted to keep only the healthiest and most balanced fruit. Vinification is then adapted according to the characteristics of the grapes and terroirs, with a choice between vinification in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels. The barrels used come from reputable French cooperages and are selected for their ability to provide gentle oxygenation without altering the character of the wine. The ageing process, which can last from 9 to 18 months, is always carried out carefully to best reveal the purity and minerality of the wines.

The Cuvées of the Goisot Estate

The Goisot Estate offers a wide range of wines, divided between whites and reds, made from emblematic grape varieties of the region such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc. Here is an overview of the cuvées:

Red wines:

Bourgogne Côtes d'Auxerre Rouge Pinot Noir

Corps de Garde Rouge Bourgogne Côtes d'Auxerre Pinot Noir

Le Court Vit Rouge Bourgogne Côtes d'Auxerre Pinot Noir

La Ronce Rouge Bourgogne Côtes d'Auxerre Pinot Noir

Les Mazelots Irancy Pinot Noir

La Voie de Cravant Irancy Pinot Noir

Adroit du Val Suzeau Irancy Pinot Noir

White wines:

Aligoté Bourgogne

Côtes d'Auxerre Blanc Bourgogne Chardonnay

Corps de Garde Blanc Bourgogne Côtes d'Auxerre Chardonnay

Biaumont Bourgogne Côtes d'Auxerre Chardonnay

Gueules de Loup Bourgogne Côtes d'Auxerre Chardonnay

Le Court Vit Blanc Bourgogne Côtes d'Auxerre Chardonnay

Gondonne Bourgogne Côtes d'Auxerre Chardonnay

Faucertaine Chablis Chardonnay

Saint-Bris wines:

Moury Saint-Bris Sauvignon blanc

Exogyra Virgula Saint-Bris Sauvignon blanc

Corps de Garde Blanc Saint-Bris Fié Gris

La Ronce Blanc Saint-Bris-Le-Vineux Sauvignon

These cuvées, from plots with distinct geological characteristics, reflect a unique expertise. The reds are distinguished by their elegance and finesse, while the whites reveal exceptional minerality, perfect for long ageing.

The wines of the Goisot Estate are particularly appreciated for their ageing potential. Here is a list of vintages to watch: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021...

For Burgundy wine enthusiasts, there are many other exceptional estates to discover in the region, each with its own particularities. Here is a selection of estates to explore: Raveneau, Vincent Dauvissat, La Chablisienne, Servin, Patrick Piuze, Pattes Loup, Jean Paul Droin...

These estates, like the Goisot Estate, contribute to the worldwide reputation of Burgundy wines and also deserve to be explored.

The Goisot Estate is a jewel of northern Burgundy. With a deeply respectful approach to nature and family expertise passed down through centuries, this estate has become essential for lovers of biodynamic wines. Its cuvées, both white and red, reflect the richness and diversity of its terroirs, while offering exceptional quality vintage after vintage.