Domaine J. Confuron

The domaine covers eight hectares and has been farmed organically since 1991. The domaine benefits from a high proportion of old vines, especially the village Chambolle and the Romanée St-Vivant, planted in 1929. The grapes are destalked, unlike at Domaine Confuron-Cotétidot, and given a shortish fermentation with punching down, to avoid the air contact of pumping over. Alain Meunier particularly dislikes any post-fermentation maceration, as he feels the fruit loses freshness and terroir typicity when the skins are macerated in the presence of alcohol. Barrels are sourced from Rémond and Rousseau, with 50-75% new wood being used in general and 100% on the grands crus.

Their cuvée of Côte de Nuits Villages La Montagne is a recent addition (2002) but has disappeared from the list for the moment having been grubbed up in 2007 for replanting. The Chambolle Musigny premier cru is a blend of Châtelots and Feusselottes, while the village Chambolle is a blend from old vines in Pas de Chats and Derrère Le Four and a more recent planting in les Condemennes.

Jasper Morris MW, Burgundy Wine Director

Inside Burgundy