The vineyard at Domaine de Cromey: Le Clos
The new kid on the block?
The sun-drenched slopes of Burgundy have long been the gold standard for winemaking, but even in a region steeped in centuries of tradition, there are always new stories taking root. At Domaine de Cromey, not as the new kid on the block, but as the rebirth of a historic vineyard, we are witnessing a remarkable partnership that bridges the gap between historic terroir and modern, innovative winemaking.
It is a story of two eras: old and new. Domaine de Cromey dates back to the 16th century and was a prominent winemaking manor house, producing wines for the nobles of the area. Fast forward to our era: we renovated both the manor and the vineyard. Locals told us it was “special”, and because of that, a wall was built around it, giving it its name, “Le Clos”.
And it is a story of two houses: one providing the hallowed ground and a philosophy of wine enjoyment, and the other providing the vision in viticulture and winemaking techniques. Domaine de Cromey, with its seven-acre Le Clos vineyard, has found a perfect match in its chosen winemaker, Domaine Ami, a dynamic duo of winegrowers who are redefining what it means to be “friends” of the vine. They have quickly built a reputation for excellence in the Maranges Valley. Their approach is one of curiosity, respect, and deep technical knowledge.
Located just a stone’s throw from the rolling hills surrounding Domaine de Cromey, Paul and Willy have taken the reins of our seven-acre vineyard. This collaboration ensures that the grapes grown on our estate are transformed into wines that are not just delicious, but “magnificently appetising”—a hallmark of the curated selections you find at burgundywine.com.
The 2023 Harvest: A Milestone for Le Clos
September 2023 marked a significant chapter in our history: the second official harvest at the Domaine de Cromey vineyards. The air was thick with the scent of ripe fruit and the electric energy that only harvest season can bring.
From this harvest, we are thrilled to see the development of the Pinot Noir Bourgogne Rouge “Le Clos” Monopole and the Bourgogne Blanc “Le Clos” Monopole. These wines represent the pinnacle of “natural” production. The vineyard itself is a sanctuary; it has never been treated with chemical fertilisers or pesticides, allowing the vines to express the purest version of the Burgundian soil. The 2023 Le Clos vintage was not only a milestone for Domaine de Cromey, itself a 16th century winemaking house, but also for the Côte du Couchois.
Discovering the Couchois Appellation
While names like Meursault or Gevrey-Chambertin often steal the headlines, the area southwest of Cromey holds a hidden gem: the town of Couches. This region, known as the Couchois appellation, is home to a fascinating historic castle and a winemaking tradition that is finally getting the recognition it deserves.
Domaine de Cromey sits within the Couches commune, and our Le Clos vineyard falls within this up-and-coming appellation. The vineyard is already producing wines that punch well above their weight and lend truth to the “special” moniker bestowed by the locals. By focusing on quality and sustainability, we are proud to help put the Couchois region on the map and on its journey towards greatness for discerning wine lovers worldwide.
Tasting Where the Magic Happens
There is an old saying in Burgundy: wine tastes best when enjoyed on the ground where it was made. At Domaine de Cromey, we have taken this to heart. Our tasting room—a building with 400 years of history—has been meticulously restored to offer a bridge between the past and the present.
Visitors can walk from the tasting room to the main dining room, where an imposing 19th-century wine press stands as a silent witness to the region’s heritage. This physical connection—seeing the vines, touching the old stone, and smelling the cellar—adds a layer of soul to the wine that simply cannot be replicated in a shop or a distant city.
For those who cannot make the trip to France, we bring the spirit of the vineyard to you through virtual tastings. It is our way of helping you build a physical and emotional connection between the bottles you enjoy at home and the place they originated.
The Philosophy of the Vine: Biodynamics and Organic Growth
Clearly, after eight years of revival of this special vineyard, the proof is in the glass. Added to the great terroir is our special partnership with Domaine Ami, built on a shared philosophy and a commitment to biodynamic and organic viticulture. But what do these terms actually mean in the case of Le Clos?
Biodynamics is often called the world’s oldest system of organic growing. It treats the vineyard as a living, breathing organism. Growers like Paul and Willy stay “in tune” with nature by observing the influence of the sun and moon on the earthly elements of earth, air, fire, and water. By following an astronomical calendar, they ensure that every intervention—from sowing to pruning—is done at the optimum moment. It is a holistic approach that prioritises the harmony of the land over the convenience of the grower.
Organic winemaking, while slightly less complex than biodynamics, is no less rigorous. It forbids the use of synthetic pesticides or “fancy” cellar tricks like reverse osmosis. The result is a wine that is authentic and simple—exactly as nature intended.
A Community of Visionaries
Not alone in this philosophy, burgundywine.com works with several pioneers of this movement. Many are neighbours in Santenay and Maranges, acting as we like to say, “orchestra conductors”, keeping nature and vines in perfect sync.
At Domaine de Cromey, we are honoured to be part of this community. Through our winemaking partnership and our dedication to the Couchois appellation, we are ensuring that the spirit of Burgundy continues to thrive, one bottle of “Le Clos” at a time.
Le Clos 2023 Blanc is available now, while Le Clos 2023 Rouge is sold out.
Le Clos 2024, both red and white, is available as a presale.
Le Clos 2025, both red and white, is still in barrel and available ‘en primeur’ (futures).
All are available for purchase on burgundywine.com.