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Maison Joseph Drouhin boasts a storied legacy that dates back to 1880. Family-owned and operated, Joseph Drouhin is a global brand whose 78 hectares (193 acres) stand as one of the most expansive estates within its region.
The Domaine’s formation unfolded gradually over the years, guided by discerning acquisitions and familial agreements. Some of its vineyards rank among the most renowned in all of Burgundy, including illustrious names such as Clos des Mouches, Montrachet Marquis de Laguiche, Musigny, Clos de Vougeot, Corton-Charlemagne, and more.
As a family-owned establishment, it has flourished across generations, evolving into a symbol of Burgundian wine excellence. This tale of vinous mastery and refinement begins with Joseph Drouhin, who, at a mere 22 years old, assumed stewardship of a historic wine enterprise in Beaune.
Joseph’s vision and dedication laid the foundation for Maison Joseph Drouhin‘s ascent. In the pursuit of wine quality and a profound respect for Burgundy’s diverse terroirs, the house seamlessly embraced the roles of négociant, producer, and, above all, owner. Through the passage of time and generations, the Drouhin family strengthened the house’s standing by acquiring prestigious vineyard plots scattered throughout Burgundy’s finest climates.
Yet, it was in 1921, when Maurice Drouhin acquired the coveted “Clos des Mouches” terroir, that the family’s commitment to excellence truly shone. This southernmost gem in the Beaune appellation captured their hearts, holding a historical significance that stretched back centuries. Under Maurice’s audacious leadership, the name of Drouhin swiftly transformed into a venerated house of wine, a paragon of quality in Burgundy.
In 1957, the torch was passed to Robert Drouhin, who continued the family legacy with an unwavering dedication to expansion and enhancement. He believed in the potential of Chablis vineyards and invested heavily in this region, acquiring substantial acreage and the historic Moulin de Vaudon. Robert also established an oenology laboratory and worked alongside Laurence Jobard, one of Burgundy’s pioneering female oenologists. His foresight extended beyond the borders of France as he ventured into Oregon, founding Domaine Drouhin Oregon with his daughter Véronique in 1987.
The year 1988 marked another turning point as Philippe Drouhin, Robert’s eldest son, assumed leadership. Philippe was deeply committed to environmental sustainability and biodiversity, shifting the estate toward virtuous viticulture, and embracing organic and biodynamic farming practices. In tandem, Maison Joseph Drouhin dedicated significant effort to conserving Burgundy’s grape variety diversity, nurturing mass selections within its own nursery.
Today, the legacy endures under the stewardship of three generations of Drouhins—Philippe, Véronique, Laurent, and Frédéric, with Laurène, the eldest daughter of Véronique, also emerging as the fifth generation. Together, they combine tradition and innovation, relentlessly pursuing the “elegant perfection” that has made Joseph Drouhin wines renowned.
Maison Joseph Drouhin is not just a family; it is a Burgundian heritage. With 93 hectares spanning the region’s diverse terroirs, from Chablis to Mâconnais, the estate stands as one of Burgundy’s largest. It proudly hosts Grand Crus and Premier Crus, nurtured with the iconic Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grape varieties. This heritage, painstakingly assembled through astute acquisitions and familial dedication, is the essence of Maison Joseph Drouhin—a beacon of elegance and excellence in the world of fine wines.
Maison Joseph Drouhin’s pursuit of excellence spans four generations, rooted in a profound respect for terroir, grape, and wine. This devotion is etched into the very essence of the house, shaping its identity. With a mosaic of vineyards across the Burgundy region, the Drouhin family remains steadfast in preserving the authentic expression of these terroirs. Over nearly 90 appellations, the essence of their terroirs is revealed through the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grape varieties, unwaveringly true to their origins.
Since the late 80s, Maison Joseph Drouhin has embraced an organic and biodynamic approach, echoing the motto “natural responses to natural challenges.” Their eco-conscious practices include horse ploughing, cover cropping, and natural composting, all enhancing soil health. Biodynamic methods involving plant infusions and natural predators are employed according to a specific calendar. They prioritize deep root systems and high-density planting to fully unleash terroir potential, resulting in low yields. The precious harvest is carefully handpicked in small perforated crates to preserve fruit integrity.
In the winery, the commitment to integrity continues with a tailored vinification process for each terroir, encompassing destemming, vertical or horizontal presses, gravity clarification, indigenous yeasts, and a selection of oak barrels from carefully chosen trees that have been air-dried for three years to refine tannins.
This culmination of practices and philosophies yields a unique style synonymous with Maison Joseph Drouhin. It is a style rooted in elegance and harmony, a style that reveals its fruity and delightful character in youth and evolves into a sumptuous and indescribably complex character with patience.
The journey of Maison Joseph Drouhin is a testament to their unwavering pursuit of excellence, where every facet of their craft is a homage to the true essence of Burgundian wine. The most recent vintages are no exception.
Growing quickly, at times, these vines were difficult to contain. This 2021 vintage with a classic maturity index was harvested at full aromatic growth. This Burgundian-style wine is elegant with a salty touch.
The year 2020 brought forth a very early vintage. It is described as “precocious in growing, without haste in aging,” to be exact. This wine is expected to gain amplitude and complexity over time.
The 2019 vintage reds were favored with whole cluster vinification and particular health. The stems were ripe, an important factor in desired complexity. The whites boast a full and aromatic expression, dynamic overall.
Mature and subtly fresh, this 2018 vintage wine lingers in the mouth. Floral notes with ripe fruit give a nice balance and structure. Reds are colorful with a nice grain of tannin, while oak aging is well integrated into the whites.
This 2017 vintage offers a gradual release of character, most notably Pinot Noir – balanced without too much power. The whites have very soft oak aging. This vintage is excellent in maturity levels, full, and promising.
The enduring legacy of Joseph Drouhin is carried forward by the great-grandchildren who are deeply rooted in the world of wine. Their unwavering commitment to tradition and innovation shines through in every vintage, a pursuit of “elegant perfection” that has solidified the reputation of Joseph Drouhin wines.
Beyond crafting exceptional wines, the family’s conscientious approach to viticulture, characterized by organic and biodynamic farming, exemplifies their commitment to sustainable practices and responsible stewardship of the land. This holistic approach not only results in outstanding wines but also ensures a brighter and more sustainable future for Burgundy’s vineyards. In the world of wine, Maison Joseph Drouhin stands as a beacon of tradition, innovation, and environmental consciousness, continuing to set the bar for excellence in winemaking and vineyard preservation.
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