Domaine Marquis d'Angerville

"One of the pioneers of estate-bottled Burgundies... The wines represent the best of pure, traditional Burgundy." ~Wine Spectator

Marquis d’Angerville stands tall as the unmatched leader in Volnay, holding sole ownership of its most prestigious terroir, Clos des Ducs. This renowned estate is not only a trailblazer in the region but a pioneer in the world of winemaking. Back in the 1930s, Marquis d’Angerville revolutionized the industry by being among the first domaines to estate bottle their own wine, a practice that many producers in the area later adopted. Their rich history in Burgundy is not just about pioneering practices but also elevating the quality of Volnay through a minimalist approach, allowing the brilliance of their vineyards to shine, setting a high standard for others.

From Duke to Domaine

The history of Marquis d’Angerville stretches back to the early 1500s, when Volnay's finest vineyards, including Champans, Caillerets, Fremiet, Taillepieds, and Clos des Ducs, were owned by the Duke of Burgundy. Today, these same vineyards form the backbone of the Marquis d’Angerville domaine, with 100% of their wines being produced from their carefully cultivated estate-owned vineyards. Undoubtedly, Marquis d’Angerville remains the unrivaled leader in Volnay.

The legacy began with Eugene du Mensil, the uncle of Sem d’Angerville, the current owner's grandfather. In 1804, Eugene acquired the renowned Volnay vineyards, which once belonged to the Duke of Burgundy, and in 1888, he entrusted them to his 15-year-old nephew, Sem. Although initially lacking experience in Burgundy, Sem was quickly captivated by the property and its wines, leading him to dedicate himself to the restoration of this historic domain.

The Footsteps of Pioneers

It was in the 1930s that Sem made history in Burgundy by becoming one of the first to estate bottle wine, challenging the prevailing practice of wine being bottled by negociants. Sem, along with contemporaries Armand Rousseau and Henri Gouges, accused negociants of blending the wine with inferior varietals. In response, Marquis d’Angerville took charge of their own bottling and sales, setting a pioneering path for the future. Under Sem's leadership, the foundation for Marquis d’Angerville’s success was laid.

The domaine gained global recognition when Sem’s son, Jacques d'Angerville, joined in 1950 at just 23 years old. Embracing, what Allen Meadows called a “minimalist in the extreme” approach, Jacques relied on the greatness of the terroirs, allowing their unique "Pinot d’Angerville" clone to express its magnificence. Crafting wines renowned for their elegance, complexity, and length, Jacques’ philosophy was simple: intervene as little as possible in the winemaking process.

The Legacy Continues

Today, Guillaume, the third generation of Angerville, leads the estate, taking the reins from his father, Jacques, after his untimely passing. Despite his limited winemaking experience, Guillaume swiftly rose to the occasion, continuing his family's legacy. In 2005, he further cemented his mark by converting the domaine's vineyards to 100% biodynamic, showcasing a commitment to sustainable practices. Guillaume also built upon Marquis d’Angerville’s pioneering spirit when he created the impressive Domaine du Pélican in Arbois who was rapidly become one of the region's finest producers.

Art of Simplicity

Representing the heart and soul of Burgundy, Marquis d’Angerville's wines embody the essence of the region, showcasing the brilliance of their exceptional terroirs just as it has been done for centuries. Their 37 acres of vineyards have remained largely unchanged over the years, primarily situated in Volnay, with the majority classified as premier crus. They follow a simple yet meticulous winemaking process: complete destemming, a 10 to 12-day fermentation, and a 12 to 18-month elevage with no more than 20% new oak. This approach has earned the vineyards of Volnay immense respect as one of the finest red wine-producing villages in the Cote de Beaune.

Marquis d’Angerville truly encapsulates the essence of Burgundy, showcasing its phenomenal terroirs. Their wines are adored by Burgundy purists for their authenticity and exceptional quality. Delivering aromatic complexities and silky textures, Marquis d’Angerville's bottles enchant connoisseurs seeking the allure of traditional Burgundy. Whether you are a seasoned Burgundy collector or a connoisseur on the hunt for new obsessions, Marquis d’Angerville's wines define everything that makes Burgundy irresistible: a deep-rooted history, extraordinary terroirs, and the finest expressions of Pinot Noir.