A love of wine has been passed on from one Faiveley generation to the next for more than 180 years. The Domaine has always remained in the same family and today Erwan and Eve, the 7th generation of the Faiveley family, are at the helm and are keen to respect the traditions and savoir-faire of the family while looking to the future.
Domaine Faiveley believes that the quality of the wines comes from the fruit. To make sure they are able to get the best fruit and resulting wines, the team has invested in separate winemaking and viticulture teams in the Côte d’Or and Côte Chalonnaise, fine-tuned their barrel selection, and built a state-of-the-art winery in Mercurey. Last year, the family completed the renovation of their cellars in the heart of Nuits-St-Georges.
The result is classic Burgundies with wonderful longevity, aromatics and an unique, elegant style. Recognised as one of the finest producers in Burgundy, the Domaine continues to go from strength to strength under Erwan and Eve.
The legend goes that all the hillside in Corton was once planted with red grapes. This plot belonged to the Emperor Charlemagne who delighted in the produce of his vines. Unfortunately, the wine would run down his long beard, leaving bright red stains. His wife, wanting to uphold royal dignity, complained to her husband about his love of wine. To keep the peace in his household, Charlemagne had his vines ripped out and had white grapes replanted. In future, he could satisfy his love of Corton, without spoiling his snowy-white beard and without suffering his wife’s reproaches.
Total Surface Area: 71ha
Exposition: South, South-West
Soil: Grey Marls
Domaine Faiveley surface area: 0ha 61a – (1.52 acres)
Years the vines were planted: 1961, 1988
Average annual production: 3,200 bottles
The hand picked harvest is transported with care to the cellars in Nuits-Saint-Georges. The wine is then vinified and matured in oak barrels for 14-16 months, in nineteenth century vaulted cellars which provide ideal conditions for raising wines. The proportion of new oak, which is susceptible to variations according to the vintage, represents on average two thirds of the cuvée. The barrels, which come from high-quality barrel makers, have been rigorously selected for their fine grain and light toast.
2020 is a warmer vintage yet the wines show a lot of freshness and no flavours of over-ripeness. The winter was unusually warm with very little rainfall. Heavy frosts happened during spring, although a very low level of humidity helped to protect the vines. After a 2nd cold period mid-May, summer was extremely dry aside from a few isolated storms (Nuits-Saint-Georges – Vougeot). The harvest started on August 19th, a historically early date and came to an end on September 1st.
The nose reveals oaky, fruity and floral notes. The palate is concentrated and well-balanced with excellent aromatic persistency. The rich aromas make this Grand Cru enjoyable in its youth although it only develops its full character after a few years of bottle age. An exceptional wine with depth and minerality.
Farm-bred chicken in a creamy sauce, veal sweetbreads with morel mushrooms, truffled foie gras, duck à l'orange, salmon in a sorrel sauce, grilled lobster.
Serve at 10°C. Cellaring Potential: 8 to 12 years
Côte de Beaune, Grand Cru
100% Chardonnay
Cork
Yes
No
