Domaine Lecheneaut

"Domaine Lécheneaut extends over 10 hectares of vines across 18 different appellations in Côte de Nuits with some considerable holdings in Premier Cru vineyards. Purchased in the 1960s, Fernand Lécheneaut worked for a négociant house and sold fruit from his own three hectares. Over the years, the family added to their holdings and Fernand’s sons, Vincent and Philippe, then set themselves up as a domain in the 1980s. Given glowing reviews, significant holdings and evident winemaking talent, it’s surprising that this domain has remained off the radar.

The brothers have accomplished much in the last 30 years and are subsequently very highly regarded by fellow growers. Their philosophy includes organic and biodynamic principles which often underlines the qualities of an attentive grower. The quality of the fruit is key to their success and each vintage we have assessed has demonstrated superb purity. These are deceptively long-lived wines.

Vinification is done in thermoregulated stainless steel tanks. After a pre-fermentation cold maceration, the alcoholic fermentation begins spontaneously. Fermentation lasts two to three weeks, depending on the vintage.

Aging is done in barrels (20% new oak) for 18 months. Usually, racking is not done during the aging period, and bottling is done without fining or filtration.