Joseph Drouhin Domaine

With its 73 hectares (182.5 acres), the Joseph Drouhin Domaine is one of the largest estates in the region. It owns vineyards in all of Burgundy: Chablis (38 hectares - 95 acres), Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, (32 hectares - 80 acres), Côte Chalonnaise (3 hectares - 7.5 acres). It is comprised of a majority of Premier and Grand Crus, planted with the two Burgundian grape varietals, pinot noir and chardonnay.

The Domaine was put together through the years, thanks to judicious purchases and agreements between families. Some vineyards are among the most famous in Burgundy, such as Clos des Mouches, Montrachet Marquis de Laguiche, Musigny, Clos de Vougeot, Corton-Charlemagne, etc.

For some village or regional appellations, Joseph Drouhin complements its supplies by purchasing grapes from other vineyard owners who have been long time partners and share the same quest of excellence.

Starting with the vintage 2008, the name "Vaudon" will be associated with Joseph Drouhin for all its Chablis wines as a sign of the firm's allegiance to this historical terroir.

The Moulin de Vaudon, the property of Joseph Drouhin, is an 18th Century watermill straddling the Serein River, close to the Grand Cru vineyards of Chablis. Because of its unique location at the heart of their 38 hectare vineyard estate (95 acres), this historical mill is the headquarters of the Drouhin Domaine in Chablis.

Being able to express the exact character of each terroir is our foremost concern; therefore we have chosen the organic and biodynamic approach. Our credo is "to bring natural answers to natural problems". "We respect and ensure the quality of our soils: plowing by horse, allowing the grass to grow between the vines and using natural compost". "We grow our vine stocks in our own nursery to preserve their genetic heritage and remain in control of quality". "We let our vines thrive using natural methods only; treatments are based on herb infusions and natural predators are used instead of synthetic products". "We opted for densely planted vines (up to12 500 per hectare-5000 per acre) and let them take root as deep as possible (as older vines do). The grapes will therefore be receptive to the faintest message emanating from each soil". "We deliberately favour low yields to allow our grapes to enhance the true type of each soil". "We pick the grapes in small perforated crates in order to protect and preserve the integrity of the fruit".