Remoissenet Père et Fils

Beaune | Côte de Beaune | Burgundy

Remoissenet Burgundy North Berkeley ImportsRemoissenet Père et Fils is a reference point for refined Burgundy wines. This ancient estate, connected by mortar and stone to the medieval walls of Beaune, is for serious collectors linked by vine and bottle to Burgundy’s hallowed past and its exciting future.

Wandering through the 150-year-old estate’s hand-carved cellars is to travel back in time, each cool bottle telling a story of vintages past, wars won, anniversaries celebrated. Yet among these bottled memories are barrels of stories to come: older vines tended according to biodynamic methods, unique terroirs selected with the utmost care and in micro-quantities.

In 2005, Remoissenet started the next chapter in its generations-long history. With new owners and renewed leadership under Pierre-Antoine Rovani (formerly of the Wine Advocate), the estate is bringing more vineyards under its own roof and importantly, raising the qualitative bar for itself and its vine-growing partners across the board.

The proof, of course, is in each bottle. Whether “basic” Bourgogne to hallowed grand cru, Remoissenet wines show a suave elegance in perfume and texture, with a finish made of silk.

FARMING & WINEMAKING

The team at Remoissenet wears two hats: one, as a high-quality, small-batch négociant, cultivating close relationships with vine-growers up and down the Côte; and two, as a vine-growing estate, with select vineyards, the majority of which are located in Beaune and Gevrey-Chambertin, cared for according to biodynamic principles.

The estate works with its vine-growers in a fashion not usual for France: grapes are purchased not by quantity but by quality, with bonuses offered if quality is exceptional. This ensures that Remoissenet gets the finest grapes, regardless of vintage. At harvest, three sorting tables are used (not to mention hundreds of hands) to ensure only the most pristine fruit makes its way into the cellar.

Winemaking is philosophically non-interventionist, with winemaker Claudie Jobard preferring to “let the grapes speak” as clearly as possible. Reds are fermented on indigenous yeasts in open-top fermenters and aged in larger French oak barrels (350L). The percentage of new French oak barrels depends on the cru and the vintage, with up to 30 percent new wood for villages wines; from 30 to 70 percent for premier crus; and from 70 to 100 percent for grand cru wines. Reds are neither fined nor filtered.

Whites are pressed gently in a pneumatic press and fermented on indigenous yeasts. Barrel aging, depending on vintage and cru, ranges from 30 percent new wood for villages wines to 100 percent for grand cru wines.

WHITE WINES
Bourgogne Aligoté

What freshness, what flavor! A pure Aligoté farmed biodynamically by Remoissenet’s own team in the Côte de Beaune and raised entirely in stainless steel (on fine lees). Lithe and lovely, with white flowers and citrus and spice.

 

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Bourgogne Blanc

Full-flavored yet light on its feet, this stunning Chardonnay punches way above its weight every vintage. A bit of fruit sourced from Chablis’ chalky hills, a touch of declassified fruit from villages-level vineyards in Puligny-Montrachet.

 

 

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Bourgogne Blanc 'Les Remparts'

A new and very exciting white Burgundy wine from excellent terroirs. Remoissenet combines lively, mineral-intense fruit from Chablis (plus some declassified premier cru fruit) with the heady, sun-kissed intensity of fruit from Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru ‘Les Crays’ in the Mâconnais. No, this is not “just” a Bourgogne Blanc! An overachiever on all counts, this Burgundian Chardonnay is a thrilling wine with some serious bona fides. 

 

 

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Santenay Blanc

One of the southernmost villages in the Cote de Beaune, Santenay produces mostly red wines but reserves some five-percent of its production for whites — which makes this supple wine a rare find! Fresh and herbal, with ripe citrus and white fruit notes.

 

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Saint-Romain Blanc

This small village to the west of Meursault in the hills is perhaps better known as a center of barrel makers instead of winemakers; yet its few stony slopes and high-altitude vineyards offer value hunters an exciting find in value Burgundy. Chardonnay here is honey-touched, with fresh white flowers and yellow plums. 

 

 

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Saint-Aubin

The thrilling white Burgundies of the high-altitude village of Saint-Aubin have long been an open secret; savvy buyers know that these steep, hillsides vineyards above Chassagne produce nervy, intense white wines that (still) are a great value. Our friends at Remoissenet have put together a bold, older-vine white Burgundy from villages-level vineyards with class and staying power. 

 

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Beaune Blanc 'Montagne Saint-Désiré'

Estate-owned, biodynamically farmed vines are contiguous with and located above premier cru ‘Clos des Mouches.’ The steep, high-altitude ‘Montagne Saint-Désiré’ vineyard sits at the summit of the “mountain” of Saint-Désiré, facing south/southeast. The clay topsoil is thin; subsoils pure limestone, the “mother rock” of Burgundy.

 

 

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Puligny-Montrachet

A pitch-perfect symphony of Puligny’s noble herbs and bright lemony fruit. Selected (purchased) fruit from a single-vineyard source that borders premier cru vineyards at the border of Puligny and Meursault.

 

 

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Meursault

A picture-perfect example of the golden fruit and nutty nuance of the Cote de Beaune’s most expressive village for white Burgundy. The Remoissenet team combines here both purchased must and estate-owned, biodynamically raised fruit for a Meursault of endless intensity and pleasure. 

 

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Chassagne-Montrachet

Produced from purchased must from two parcels on the northern edge of Chassagne-Montrachet, from a single grower in the village. Farmed according to sustainable principles. Fresh and silky; flavors of warm lemon, ripe white fruit.

 

 

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Chablis 1er Cru 'Fourchaume'

Produced from purchased must from the ‘Fourchaume’ premier cru vineyard. On the north side of the river, ‘Fourchaume’ flanks Chablis’ grand cru vineyard row to the north. Soils are chalky and stony, textbook Chablis terroir.

 

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Ladoix 1er Cru 'Les Gréchons'

Facing east, ’Gréchons’ sits at altitude on the eastern side of the historic hill of Corton. The site’s chalky soils, rich in fossilized material, is noble indeed; the wine is abundantly floral, with flavors of citrus, white peach and light honey.

 

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Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru 'Aux Gravains'

The premier cru vineyard ‘Aux Gravains’ is located between vineyards ‘Lavières’ and ‘Serpentières.’ It faces south; soils are deep, a mix of scree and alluvial material with larger stones (in French, graviers). Aromas of yellow apples, apple blossoms, light hazelnut.

 

 

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Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru 'En Caradeux'

The ‘Caradeux’ vineyard faces east, located across from the hill of Corton and grand cru vineyard Corton-Charlemagne. Aromas of white flowers, citrus, apple, light honey. A perfect example of the delicacy and elegance of Pernand whites.

 

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Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru 'Sous Fretille'

Very much a “baby” Corton-Charlemagne, with its perfect southern exposure and mineral-rich soils. ‘Sous Fretille’ is a savory delight, medium-bodied and wonderfully complex in aroma and flavor. 

 

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Santenay Blanc 1er Cru 'Les Gravières'

The ‘Gravières’ vineyard faces east/southeast, and sits near the border with Chassagne-Montrachet. Tangy, medium-bodied, bright; flavors of lemons, apple, white peach. A perfect pair with a healthy wedge of soft-rind cheese and a toasted baguette.

 

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Saint-Aubin Blanc 1er Cru ‘Les Castets’

Produced from purchased must from ‘Les Castets,’ a steeply graded premier cru (960 to 1,080 feet in altitude), facing east/southeast (a cooler site) above the hillside village of Saint-Aubin. Soils are thin, with the “mother rock” of Burgundian limestone close to the surface.

 

 

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Meursault 1er Cru 'Blagny'

The vineyards in the hamlet of Blagny, perched at the confluence of Puligny-Montrachet, Saint-Aubin and Meursault, all sit at altitude and face east. Aromas of apples, citrus, light honey, fresh nuts. Medium-bodied, very fresh.

 

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Meursault 1er Cru 'Les Cras'

Produced from purchased must, sourced from two growers with contiguous parcels at the very top of the steep ‘Les Cras’ vineyard, facing southeast, at 780 feet in altitude, near the border with Volnay. Soils are stony, almost pure limestone; ‘cras’ in French means a stony terrain.

 

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Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru 'La Maltroye'

A higher-altitude, stony plot, ‘La Maltroye’ (often spelled ‘Maltroie’) is fresh and vibrant, with a characteristically silky, Chassagne texture. Lemon confit, white peach, pear, white pepper.

 

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Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru 'Folatières'

Facing southeast, ‘Folatières’ is one of Puligny’s larger premier cru vineyards. Aromas of white flowers, marzipan, light tropical fruits. Full, textured; flavors of stone fruits and citrus.

 

 

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Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru 'La Garenne'

High up on the slope near the hamlet of Blagny, ‘La Garenne’ feeds straight from the “mother rock” of limestone for a racy, fresh and precise Puligny, rich in tangy tropical fruit and savory herbs.

 

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Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru 'Les Referts'

Produced from purchased must from a single parcel in premier cru ‘Referts,’ a vineyard at 720 feet in altitude, facing southeast, with rich soils and bordering Meursault 1er Cru ‘Charmes.’ Farmed according to sustainable principles.

 

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Chablis Grand Cru 'Bougros'

‘Bougros’ has more clay and marl than other grand cru plots in Chablis, which is believed to give wines from here a broader, more textured mouthfeel. Lemon zest, poached white fruits, white peach. A great wine for the cellar!

 

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Chablis Grand Cru 'Blanchot'

On the far east side of Chablis’ grand cru row, southeast-facing ‘Blanchot’ greets the delicate morning sun and is protected by nearby forests, allowing grapes a slow and easy ripening season, for a wine that’s concentrated yet effortlessly elegant, too. 

 

 

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Chablis Grand Cru 'Les Clos'

Produced from purchased must from a single parcel in one of Chablis’ most renowned grand cru vineyards. Farmed according to sustainable principles. ‘Les Clos’ is also one of Chablis’ more expressive wines, channeling its sunny exposition and pure chalky soils. Bold, savory and always exceptional.

 

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Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru

The legendary grand cru vineyard on the hill of Corton! Aromas of yellow fruits, herbs, demi-sel butter, light smoke. Full-bodied, refined; very long. One of the grandest grand cru white Burgundies.

 

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Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru

Selected (purchased) fruit from both sides of the grand cru vineyard, located half in Puligny-Montrachet and half in Chassagne-Montrachet. An eternal white Burgundy, with infinite poise and soul. 

 

 

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Le Montrachet Grand Cru

Sourced from older vines located on the Chassagne side of this grand cru plot, and next to the vines of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.

 

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RED WINES
Fleurie

With a new partnership in Beaujolais, Remoissenet again is revolutionizing its role as négociant, letting a talented grower take the lead and bringing to the world a wine that is greater than the sum of its already excellent parts. Domaine Julien Clément is a small domaine, with just under 25 acres of vines in the cru Fleurie appellation. Vineyards are located near Poncié, at altitude, which results in a fresher, more Burgundian Gamay wine. 

 

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Bourgogne Rouge

What a gorgeous Bourgogne! Aromas of red summer berry fruit, red currant, baking spices. Tangy, refined, with suave tannins; flavors of pomegranate jam, red cherries, spice box. The team at Remoissenet selects top Pinot Noir fruit from their many estate-owned and biodynamically cultivated vineyards from both the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits for this delicious red.

 

 

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Bourgogne Côte d’Or ‘Les Remparts’

A ‘rempart’ is a fortified wall; the historic Remoissenet estate and cellars are built into Beaune’s ancient fortifications. A gorgeous red Burgundy crafted with biodynamically raised fruit and sourced from Remoissenet’s own vineyard holdings, the best of the best from the Côte d’Or. Spicy red fruits, suave tannins, endless pleasure. 

 

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Pommard
A pitch-perfect example of Pommard’s iron-rich character, suave tannins and ruby-red fruit.

 

 

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Gevrey-Chambertin
Estate-owned vines from more than a half-dozen villages-level plots, including two, ‘Aux Etelois’ and ‘Champs Chenys,’ which border grand cru Charmes-Chambertin.

 

 

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Vosne-Romanée

Estate-owned vines, cared for biodynamically, from two villages-level plots, ‘Les Jacquines’ and ‘Au Dessus de la Riviere,’ which both sit south of the village. Aromas of purple and pink wildflowers, light spice, black cherries, red plums. Juicy, refined, silky. Spicy with a long finish.

 

 

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Nuits-Saint-Georges

Estate-owned vines, cared for biodynamically, from two villages-level plots, ‘Bas de Combe,’ which sits on the border with Vosne, touching premier cru ‘Les Chaumes’; and ‘Aux Lavières.’ Aromas of black cherries, pepper, licorice, a hint of tobacco. Structured but juicy, balanced.

 

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Volnay

A picture-perfect example of the rubied fruit and smoky nuance of the best of Volnay. Structure and silk, tons of spice.

 

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Meursault Rouge

A rare, wonderful (and special single-vineyard) rouge from the village of Meursault, known mostly for its bold, savory white Burgundies. Vineyards with more mineral-rich clay tend to be planted to Pinot Noir here, yet those plots are few and far between (and often located near the village’s neighbor, Volnay). What a treat!

 

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Savigny-lès-Beaune Rouge 1er Cru

Now owned outright by the domaine and cared for according to biodynamic principles, four of Savigny’s top vineyards are the source of this ruddy, ripe and wonderfully spiced red.

 

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Santenay Rouge 1er Cru 'Grand Clos Rousseau'

The southernmost vineyard in Santenay, at the border with the village of Maranges, ‘Grand Clos Rousseau’ occupies the upper portion of the larger ‘Clos Rousseau’ vineyard. Soils are mostly decomposed white limestone, very mineral. Flavors suggest red fruit, baking spices; tannins are earthy, smooth.

 

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Beaune 1er Cru 'Grèves'
Estate-owned vines sit in the heart of Beaune’s premier cru slope; east-facing, the vineyard has sandy, light soils with lots of stones, contributing to the wine’s silky texture and aromatic definition.

 

 

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Beaune 1er Cru 'Teurons'

Estate-owned vines, farmed biodynamically, form a large, five-acre parcel that was acquired in 2011 from Château de Chorey. The parcel can be divided into three sectors: one with 50-year-old vines, one with 75-year-old vines, and one with 95- to 100-year-old vines.

 

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Beaune 1er Cru 'Marconnets'
‘Marconnets’ sits on the far northern side of Beaune, near Savigny. A bit more darker fruit, wonderfully suave tannins.

 

 

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Pommard 1er Cru 'Les Grands Epenots'
The vineyard ‘Les Grands Epenots’ is part of a larger vineyard chain at the edge of the appellation with Beaune. (The other two are ‘Clos des Epeneaux’ and ‘Les Petits Epenots.’) Soils are deep and fine, with limestone scree and marne. Aromas of red and black plums, light licorice, baking spices, black cherry. Earthy and suave, with fine-grained tannins.

 

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Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru 'Les Cazetiers'
Estate-owned vines, cared for biodynamically, total less than one acre in ‘Cazetiers.’ East-facing, the vineyard sits at the mouth of the ‘combe,’ with soils rich in white marl and fossilized seashells. Aromas of blackberry, blueberry and licorice. Meaty yet refined; plush tannins. White peppery finish.

 

 

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Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru 'Poissenot'

Estate-owned vines, cared for biodynamically, total just under one-half acre in ‘Poissenot,’ high up on the slope at the forest line above ‘Lavaux Saint-Jacques.’ Aromas of red plums, light licorice, summer berries. Chiseled and pure; refined tannins, long finish.

 

 

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Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru 'Les Echanges'

East-facing, the small vineyard of ‘Echanges’ sits in the heart of the village. (The vineyard itself is split into two; the upslope portion is rated premier cru, while the downslope portion is rated villages.) Aromas of wildflowers, red fruit and light spice. Flavors suggest black and red berries, with fine tannins and a smooth finish.

 

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Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru 'Les Charmes'

Selected (purchased) fruit from ‘Charmes.’ Positioned mid-slope similar to Chambolle ‘Amoureuses,’ this plot’s soil is very thin, with the “mother rock” of Burgundian limestone just inches from the surface.

 

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Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru 'Les Combottes'

A Burgundy lover might find many ‘combottes’ in the golden hills of the Cote d’Or, as a “combotte” is a small depression, a mini-valley (“combe”). This east-facing vineyard sits just outside the village proper, with rocky limestone soils and some clay. Dominant black fruits and the characteristic blue flowers of Chambolle are expressive. 

 

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Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru 'Suchots'

‘Suchots’ is a grand cru Pinot Noir in a premier cru body; here deep, clay-rich soils deliver a wine of intense perfume and suave texture, not too far from the rarefied quality delivered by its immediate neighbors, grand cru Romanée Saint-Vivant. 

 

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Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru 'Les Damodes'
This vineyard’s proximity to Vosne results in a wine with all of Nuits’ grip plus Vosne suave tannins and floral aromas. The Remoissenet team farms the plot biodynamically.

 

 

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Echezeaux Grand Cru

Selected (purchased) fruit from lieu-dit ‘Les Poulaillères,’ located in the heart of the grand cru vineyard and widely held as one with the most favorable soils. Topsoils are thin and poor here, with more solid limestone subsoils.

 

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Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru

Estate-owned vines, farmed biodynamically, from two parcels acquired in 2006. Located in the “the real” Charmes, at the northern edge of the vineyard, these plots have rare “pinot fin” vines propagated via massal selection, now 60 to 75 years old.

 

 

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Clos Vougeot Grand Cru
Fruit from a single, half-hectare parcel farmed biodynamically by the estate. Always deep and dark, with layers upon layers of flavor waiting to be revealed.

 

 

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Chambertin-Clos de Bèze Grand Cru

Selected (purchased) fruit. This grand cru vineyard faces east, on a gradual slope, between 810 and 840 feet above sea level. Soils are thin, with the “mother rock” of Burgundian limestone close to the surface.

 

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Established: 1877
Winemaker: Claudie Jobard
Region: France • Burgundy • Côte de Beaune • Beaune
Vineyard size: 32 acres (estate-owned)

PRACTICING BIODYNAMIC

Remoissenet Burgundy North Berkeley Imports