Arlaud
History and Background
Domaine Arlaud, situated in the heart of Burgundy's Morey-Saint-Denis, has been a family-operated estate since its establishment in 1942 by Joseph Arlaud. Hailing from the Ardèche, Joseph settled in Burgundy after marrying Renée Amiot, a union that came with a dowry of precious vineyards. The domaine expanded significantly under the stewardship of their son, Hervé Arlaud, who continued to acquire prestigious parcels throughout the Côte de Nuits, including holdings in Grand Crus such as Clos de la Roche and Charmes-Chambertin.
Vineyards and Terroir
Domaine Arlaud's vineyards are situated in the Côte de Nuits region of Burgundy, France, covering approximately 15 hectares:
Soil Composition: The soils are predominantly limestone and clay, ideal for producing elegant and complex wines.
Grape Varieties: The estate primarily grows Pinot Noir and a small amount of Chardonnay, producing highly regarded wines from appellations like Chambolle-Musigny, Morey-Saint-Denis, and Gevrey-Chambertin.
Wine Style and Production
- Key Characteristics: Arlaud's wines are renowned for their refinement and layered complexity, featuring prominent flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and hints of earthy spice. Aromas such as tobacco and cedar are typical, augmented by the presence of firm tannins that suggest good aging potential. The wines maintain a fresh profile due to their high natural acidity.
- Winemaking Philosophy: Arlaud vineyards are tended with a commitment to expressing the distinctive characteristics of their terroir. The approach combines traditional methods with modern innovations to maximize the quality of the grapes. The estate practices sustainable, organic farming, emphasizing the natural balance and health of the vineyard ecosystem. Hand-harvesting and selective green harvesting are employed to control yield and promote grape concentration.
- Influence on Style and Quality: Through Arlaud's diligent vineyard management and thoughtful production techniques, the wines achieve a balance of power and finesse. Key practices such as minimal intervention in the winery, and aging in French oak barrels are purposely selected to complement and enhance the natural qualities of the wine. This focus on quality at every stage of the growing and production process ensures that Arlaud wines are celebrated for their compelling combination of depth, elegance, and longevity.
Reputation
Domaine Arlaud is a highly respected wine producer based in the Burgundy region of France, particularly renowned for their exquisite Pinot Noir wines. The Arlaud family has been involved in viticulture since the 1940s, with the estate currently managed by the third generation.
One of the pivotal aspects that distinguishes Domaine Arlaud is their commitment to biodynamic farming practices, which they adopted fully in 2014. This approach emphasizes the health of the vineyard ecosystem, using natural materials, soils, and composts to nurture the vines, and aligning agricultural practices with the lunar cycle. This dedication to biodynamic principles helps to ensure the purity and expression of their terroir in the wines they produce.
Another unique aspect of Domaine Arlaud's operation is their use of horses to plow the vineyards. This method avoids compacting the soil as heavier machinery would, allowing for better aeration of the soil and promoting healthier vine roots. The limited reliance on mechanical intervention is thought to help in producing more nuanced and terroir-driven wines.
The combination of a deep respect for tradition, alongside innovative, ecologically minded viticulture practices, has positioned Domaine Arlaud as a distinguished and admired name in Burgundian winemaking, celebrated for crafting wines of exceptional quality and character.
Final Thoughts
Arlaud, a distinguished wine producer from Burgundy, distinctly stands out through its commitment to biodynamic farming, a practice it has rigorously implemented since 2004. This holistic approach not only underscores their dedication to sustainability but also results in wines that genuinely reflect the terroir's natural nuances and complexities. The estate, now expertly managed by Cyprien Arlaud, continues to receive acclaim for producing some of the most elegant and finely balanced wines in the region. Their holdings in premier and grand cru vineyards, such as Charmes-Chambertin and Clos de la Roche, contribute to this esteemed reputation, yielding vintages that consistently garner high praise from critics and connoisseurs alike. Arlaud’s wines, appreciated for their purity and precise expression of Pinot Noir, are celebrated as exemplary embodiments of Burgundian craftsmanship, paving the way for other producers to focus on organic and biodynamic methods.