Pierre Arcelain took the reins at Domaine Michel Arcelain in 2020, bringing the energy and expertise of a new generation to this storied Pommard estate, so dear to www.burgundywine.com regulars. Pierre trained with his grandfather, Michel, from an early age. Alongside his wife Charlotte, he now oversees every aspect of vineyard and cellar work, combining tradition with careful modern touch.
The estate’s history goes back to 1889 when Pierre’s great-grandfather, Jules Arcelain, took over during the phylloxera crisis. Jules replanted the vineyards with grafted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, instilling a deep knowledge of terroir and vineyard management that has passed from father to son through the generations. Michel Arcelain — Pierre’s grandfather — and his wife Marie-Madeleine maintained this legacy for many years, earning a reputation for wines that balance strength and subtlety.
Today, the domaine produces around 20,000 bottles annually, including Bourgogne Côte d’Or Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Beaune village and Premier Cru, and Pommard village and Premier Cru. Pierre and Charlotte practice reasoned viticulture, plowing the soils throughout the year to protect the vineyards. Grapes are harvested by hand and rigorously sorted to ensure only the best bunches make it into the cellar.
Vinification is traditionally Burgundian: 100% destemmed fruit with about 15 days of vatting, with one pigeage and remontage each day to gently extract color and tannin. The wines are aged in oak barrels made from French oak sourced locally, with barrels used for around 15 years to avoid masking the wine’s natural character. Red wines spend 20 months in 228-liter barrels, while white wine ages for 12 months in a concrete egg. The unique shape of the egg promotes continuous stirring of lees, enhancing texture and complexity without overshadowing the fruit’s purity.
The approach at Domaine Michel Arcelain is a blend of tradition and thoughtful innovation, aiming to produce wines that reflect the authentic character of the terroir and the family’s long history. This careful balance resonates strongly with www.burgundywine.com, who has been a proud supporter of the domain’s journey through the generations.
Bourgogne Blanc Chardonnay ‘Les Chavey’
Bourgogne ‘Les Crenilles’
Bourgogne ‘Les Lormes’
Bourgogne ‘Les Petits Seurets’
Pommard ‘Clos Beaudier’
Pommard ‘Les Noizons’
Pommard ‘La Combotte’
Pommard ‘Les Perrieres’
Pommard ‘La Levriere’
Pommard 1er Cru ‘Charmots’
Beaune ‘Siserpe’
Beaune 1er Cru ‘Clos des Mouches’
