We first came across the Domaine Jean Féry some years ago, during a visit with Pascal Marchand. Recently freed from the limitations of corporate winemaking, Pascal was then shaping the early contours of his own micro-négoce in Nuits-Saint-Georges. After a quick catch-up, we got in his car and made our way out of town along the scenic Hautes-Côtes ridge.
As we approached the tiny hamlet of Échevronne —tucked neatly between Beaune and Nuits—our attention was caught by a group of vignerons calmly unloading a horse from its trailer. “That,” Pascal nodded, “is the Domaine Jean Féry.” Even then, the sight of horse-powered viticulture felt like a signal: here was a domaine of Burgundy winemakers doing things differently, and with purpose.
A Family Legacy of Burgundy Winemakers, Reimagined
The Féry family has been rooted in Burgundy’s soils since at least the 18th century, but the estate as we know it today is the vision of Jean-Louis Féry. When he took over his parents’ vineyards in the late 1980s, he brought with him both a childhood dream and a determination to elevate the domaine. Bit by bit—investing in new vineyards, infrastructure, and an unwavering philosophy—he has built one of Burgundy’s most compelling small estates.
Biodynamics with Burgundian Finesse
Jean-Louis’ approach is firmly biodynamic, guided by preparations of natural minerals and herbs and timed by the rhythms of the biodynamic calendar. (To read more on the differences between biodynamic wine, organic and natural wine, click here to read our article.) In 2008, the estate officially entered conversion to organic farming—an outward marker of a philosophy that had long been taking shape in the vines. For those who love artisanal Burgundy winemakers, this combination of deep tradition and thoughtful viticulture is precisely what makes the domaine such a discovery. Despite the remarkable quality, the wines remain largely under the radar outside the region—a dream scenario for Burgundy hunters looking for hidden gems. It’s just this sort of hidden gem wine that we here at burgundywine.com exist for. We make it our business to use our 30+ years of living in and loving Burgundy to bring these great wines to you.
Elegance, Structure, and a Light Touch
For the white wines, Jean-Louis works with oak barrels—about 50% new—and allows malolactic fermentation to unfold naturally. The reds ferment with the help of symbiotic yeasts that enhance complexity before they, too, go through malolactic fermentation in barrel. Whites are fined and filtered for clarity; reds are left unfiltered to preserve their depth and texture.
Jean Fery Wines from the burgundywine.com cellar
We have wines from a wide range of Burgundy winemakers in our cellar. Among them are these Premier Cru gems from Domaine Jean Fery whihc we recommend you try for those special occasions:
- Vougeot 1er Cru “Les Cras” (Rouge): You may have heard about the grand Clos de Vougeot chateau, and even visited it in person if you’re lucky. But there is more to this appellation – four Premier Cru climats (plots) and of them all, the insiders know that Les Cras is the best situated. Its powerful but also complex – earthy and stony notes but also floral to balance things out. Many would argue that this is a better wine than you get from some of the parcels inside the Clos de Vougeot itself.
- Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru “Les Vergelesses” (Blanc): This wine illustrates very well why there can be such complexity in the naming of wines in Burgundy, and why it can be a little confusing! This wine is white, but the same domaine also makes red Savigny-les-Beaune, as well as red Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru ‘Les Vergelesses’ too… As if that weren’t enough, the Pernand ‘Vergelesses’ and the two Savigny ‘Vergelesses’ border yet another Pernand premier cru, known as ‘Ile des Vergelesses’! In any case, you may be wondering what the wine tastes like… Well, we can report that it is fresh, elegant, with spicy tones and some lovely honey.
If you’re looking for something perfect for everyday drinking, the domaine offers beautifully crafted wines such as these:
- Côte de Nuits-Villages – ‘Clos de Magny’: This is a great example of a wine which drinks way above its appellation – and at a very affordable price point. In the glass it’s ruby red and on the nose you get fresh cherry fruits and blackcurrant aromas. On the palate, it is spicy, well structured and fine tannins.
- Hautes Cote de Beaune ‘La Petite Heule: This is from an up-and-coming region which is defying climate change due to its elevated position. The wine glistens with silver and pale yellow in the glass, and when you sniff it you get pear, oak, and even a hint of struck match. On the palate it’s fresh, crystalline and incisive. Click here to read our blog article on why this region has so much potential and why it is fast becoming a must-have name in Burgundy wine.
And if choosing is impossible (as it often is!) there’s always the option of a mixed case: six reds, six whites, all expressing the quiet precision of this rising domaine.
Growing in Great Terroirs
Today, Domaine Jean Féry is one of Burgundy’s most intriguing estates amongst Burgundy winemakers, with thoughtfully tended parcels scattered across the landscape. Their 2010 acquisition of Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru “Abbaye de Morgeot” confirmed what long-time followers already know: Jean-Louis’ passion is just as strong as it ever was.
For Burgundy lovers who chase authenticity, detail, and the story behind the bottle, this is a domaine worth seeking out.
Try these wines in our tasting room!
Our home at Domaine de Cromey is open year-round to host Burgundy wine enthusiasts such as you… Perfectly positioned in the region, it’s the ideal base for all of your Burgundy day trips, and when you come back in the evening ready for refreshments, we’ll take you down to our cellar! There you can browse some of the finest hidden gem wines from our favorite Burgundy winemakers, and bring them up to our renovated and luxurious tasting room. Click here to start your booking today.