Domaine Henri Germain et Fils
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Country
France
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Region
Meursault, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy
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Founded
1973
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Farming
Organic (practising)
“Last year, I argued that Domaine Henri Germain might well be Meursault’s best-kept secret, and this year, despite signs that the world is taking notice, I repeat that claim. This is a superb source for classically balanced, artisanal white Burgundy that’s built to age, and the softly spoken Jean-François Germain is justly one of the village’s most well-respected vignerons.“
William Kelley, The Wine Advocate, January 2020
We have followed this domaine for a number of years and have frequently had the great pleasure to enjoy tremendous bottles from the mid-90’s – a tricky time for a number of white Burgundies, but not at this address. Whilst the wines drink well young and a bright, vigorous with perfect weight, intensity and precision; there really isn’t a more satisfying vinous pleasure than perfectly mature White Burgundy, in our opinion in any case.
The wines are classic, beautifully examples of what Chardonnay can achieve in the finest terroirs – again, this, in our opinion, is rooted firmly in Meursault or Chablis.
The wines spend two winters in barrel in a tiny, freezing cellar which is a delight to taste in, such is the quality on offer. They are incredibly stable, authentic examples of why Burgundy is such an incredible location for fine wine.
This was, until fairly recently, a reasonably unknown Domaine – now demand hugely outstrips supply for these small production, exceptional wines.
Technical Information
| Wine | Blend | Vine age | Soil type | Vineyard area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bourgogne Blanc Côte d’Or | Chardonnay | Clay & limestone | ||
| Meursault | Chardonnay | Clay & limestone | ||
| Meursault Chevalières | Chardonnay | Clay & limestone | ||
| Meursault Le Limozin | Chardonnay | Clay & limestone | ||
| Meursault 1er cru Poruzots | Chardonnay | Clay & limestone | ||
| Meursault 1er cru Charmes | Chardonnay | Clay & limestone | ||
| Meursault 1er cru Perrières | Chardonnay | Clay & limestone | ||
| Chassagne-Montrachet 1er cru Morgeot Les Fairendes | Chardonnay | Clay & limestone | ||
| Beaune 1er cru Bressandes | Pinot Noir | Clay & limestone |
Viticulture & Vinification
- Organic practising
- Hand-harvested
- Wild yeast fermentation
- No bâtonnage
- Minimal racking
- Low use of new oak, barrels are kept for 10 years
- Long élevage, two winters in barrel on the lees. 18 months village wines, 22 months 1ers crus
- Unfined & unfiltered
- A very cold cellar! – results in slow alcoholic and malolactic fermentations