Domaine Confuron-Cotétidot was created in 1964 with the marriage of legendary winemaker Jean-Jacques “Jacky” Confuron to Bernadette Cotétidot. Jacky has since relinquished day-to-day operation of the domaine to his two sons, Yves and Jean-Pierre. With old vines spread over four villages in the Côte de Nuits, the domaine claims a very impressive array of village, Premier and Grand Cru sites.

In general, the goal is to rely on their low-yielding, late picked old vines (average 65-70 years) in order to capture each vineyard’s true character, preferring a minimalist approach in the cellar so as to achieve optimum expression. While the style here is “traditional”, it is also ample and rich with plenty of vibrant fruit from whole bunch fermentation. The wines age brilliantly.

Harvest here is always late in order to ensure the grapes are truly ripe. A long cuvaison (2-3 weeks) followed by barrel ageing for almost two years prior to bottling without fining and filtration. New oak is kept to a minimum with only minimal sulphur additions. Unusual for Burgundy, Confuron-Cotétidot’s vines have never been treated with herbicides or pesticides.

In charge of Domaine de Courcel during the mornings, Yves Confuron returns to look after the 11ha family domaine for the rest of the day, helped by his brother Jean-Pierre who also vinifies wines for Domaine Chanson. This is one of the most serious and consistent domaines in the Côte d’Or and even the village wines are superb! However, it is the Premier Cru ‘Suchots’ that is many followers’ favourite.