Bitouzet Prieur, Domaine
Summary
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur is a family-owned Burgundian estate managing 12 hectares of vineyards across Volnay and Meursault, producing equal amounts of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from limestone-clay soils with vines averaging 35-40 years old. François Bitouzet maintains traditional methods including partial destemming for reds, barrel fermentation for whites, moderate new oak usage (20-40%), and extended aging periods of 18-20 months for premier cru wines, emphasizing terroir expression through sustainable viticulture practices.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur represents the union of two distinguished Burgundian families through the marriage of Vincent Bitouzet and Annie Prieur in 1978. The Bitouzet family has roots in Volnay dating back to the early 1900s, while the Prieur family has been established in Meursault for multiple generations. This marriage effectively combined vineyard holdings in two of the Côte de Beaune's most notable communes.
François Bitouzet, Vincent and Annie's son, assumed leadership of the domaine in the early 2000s after completing his oenological studies and gaining experience both at the family estate and abroad. Under his direction, the domaine maintains its headquarters in Volnay while managing vineyard parcels across both Volnay and Meursault. The transition to the next generation has preserved the domaine's traditional approach while incorporating modern precision in both vineyard management and cellar work.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur manages approximately 12 hectares of vineyards divided between Volnay and Meursault. In Volnay, the domaine holds parcels in several premier cru sites including Caillerets, Champans, Pitures-Dessus, and Mitans. These vineyards feature the classic limestone-clay soils of the mid-slope Côte de Beaune, with variations in the limestone-to-clay ratio influencing the character of each site.
The Meursault holdings include parcels in the lieu-dits of Corbins, Grands Charrons, and Clos du Cromin. These sites feature the typical limestone-rich soils that contribute to Meursault's distinctive mineral character. The domaine's vines average 35-40 years of age, with some parcels containing vines over 60 years old, particularly in their premier cru holdings.
The production is divided between red and white wines, with Pinot Noir from Volnay and Chardonnay from Meursault forming the core of their portfolio. The domaine also produces small quantities of Bourgogne Rouge and Bourgogne Blanc from vineyards at the foot of the slope.
Philosophy & Practice
François Bitouzet employs traditional Burgundian winemaking techniques with thoughtful adaptations to each vintage's specific conditions. For red wines, the domaine practices partial destemming, with the percentage varying according to the vintage and vineyard site. Fermentation occurs in traditional open-top wooden vats with gentle extraction methods to preserve fruit purity and terroir expression.
White wine production follows classic Meursault methods, with whole-cluster pressing and fermentation in French oak barrels. New oak usage is moderate, typically ranging from 20-30% for village wines and up to 40% for premier crus, allowing the terroir characteristics to remain at the forefront.
In the vineyards, François implements sustainable practices focused on soil health and biodiversity. Plowing is preferred over herbicides, and treatments are minimized through careful canopy management and vineyard monitoring. Harvest is conducted entirely by hand, with rigorous sorting both in the vineyard and at the winery.
The aging protocol varies by wine, with premier cru reds typically spending 18-20 months in barrel before bottling without fining and with only light filtration when necessary. This patient approach to aging allows the wines to develop complexity while maintaining freshness and structural integrity.