DOMAINE BERTHELEMOT

A story without an end

The vines have been there for ages !

They have been harvested 20, 50 and some, even 70 times. Domaine Berthelemot was established by combining two estates – one belonging to Jean Garaudet and the other to Yves Darviot – and consequently has a long tradition to perpetuate: the work must continue, with the same passion as these experienced and esteemed winegrowers.

The domain covers a number of appellations : Beaune Grèves, Beaune Clos des Mouches, Pommard, Monthélie and soon Meursault Charmes ; each has a story to tell but above all the secret to success is … respect.

A matter of respect

Respect for the seasons.
Respect for the vine and the soil.
Respect for the grape.
Respect for the natural processes which occur in the cask in the darkness of the cellar.

The winegrower knows that his skill relies on respect, the key to all the tasks from wintertime to harvest time, from picking the ripe grapes to the moment when the wine is bottled. This long chain of events for man and Nature which culminates in the glass of the winetaster.
It is this respect which the winegrower has shown throughout that gives his wine all its character, its colour and its bouquet.

Modesty and determination

Perhaps contradictory – but these are two essentials for the winegrower. He needs to get up early and observe everything that is going on. He is on the alert all the time and senses what others cannot see, smell or touch. He knows that man has to be modest against the stronger forces of Nature ; the winegrower can do nothing against the effects of hail and sun and knows that a full year’s work can be ruined by rain or disease.
He needs to be a fighter and determined because even when times are hard he cannot stop whether in the cold of winter or at the peak of harvest time. Modest, perhaps but he knows his strength: pride in his work and care for the vine, the skill passed down through the ages combined with modern techniques.

A tale for tomorrow

Domaine Berthelemot is looking far ahead : its roots are in the culture of tradition and taking on a project of this kind, justifies change. Considerable progress has been made with determination over the last 2 years:
New life has been given to an old house, graceful and stately premises where visitors can be welcomed: part of it dates from the Middle Ages and certainly the stones and the watchtower could relate some of the history of Burgundy. In contrast, the cellar is a truly modern 21st century production unit: located in Tailly, it includes thermo-regulated vats, pneumatic press and cellar where casks can be stored and matured at precision controlled temperature. All this to say that Domaine Berthelemot has set its sights and fixed its targets.

A story of men

… and one woman! Brigitte Berthelemot, whose background covers both management and winegrowing when, for the latter, all started in the Loire valley with sound basic training at Chenin blanc.

Some years later, she became captivated by the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vine varieties but particularly by their multiple facets when vinified.

In fact, the mystery of Burgundy and its land: only two vine varieties but such a host of expressions in the wines.

It was a spirit of continuation of tradition and respect that

dominated Brigitte Berthelemot’s first meeting with her predecessors Jean Garaudet and Yves Darviot and from this moment on, the scene was set – the challenge now needs to be fulfilled.

A second meeting was with Marc Cugney.

With over 20 years experience in Beaune and a period in a New Zealand winery, he too has taken on the challenge of this new domain with his remarkable ability to manage both the winegrowing and winemaking…

Both sharing the same values, it was not long before the two made up a team.
Long live Domaine Berthelemot!