Chandon de Briailles, Domaine
Summary
Domaine Chandon de Briailles is a family-owned Burgundian estate managing 13.5 hectares of vineyards across the northern Côte de Beaune, producing approximately 45,000 bottles annually with a focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from their impressive holdings on the limestone-rich hill of Corton. Their winemaking philosophy combines biodynamic viticulture, horse-plowing, high whole-cluster inclusion, and minimal intervention in the cellar to create wines that transparently express their distinguished terroirs through traditional Burgundian methods.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine Chandon de Briailles was established in 1834 in the village of Savigny-lès-Beaune in Burgundy's Côte de Beaune. The estate has remained in family ownership for nearly two centuries, with the Chandon de Briailles family maintaining continuous stewardship through multiple generations. In the 1980s, Countess Nadine de Nicolay (née Chandon de Briailles) assumed control of the domaine, marking a significant transition in leadership.
Today, the estate is directed by Claude de Nicolay and her brother François de Nicolay, who took over management from their mother in 2001. Claude oversees vineyard management and winemaking operations, while François focuses on commercial aspects and international distribution. Under their guidance, the domaine completed its conversion to certified biodynamic viticulture in 2011, receiving official Demeter certification—a milestone in the estate's commitment to environmental stewardship.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine Chandon de Briailles manages 13.5 hectares of vineyards distributed across four communes in the Côte de Beaune: Savigny-lès-Beaune, Pernand-Vergelesses, Aloxe-Corton, and the hill of Corton. The estate's holdings include seven premier cru sites and five grand cru parcels, representing one of the most significant collections of classified vineyards in the northern Côte de Beaune.
In Savigny-lès-Beaune, the domaine cultivates 4.5 hectares across the premier cru vineyards of Les Lavières and Aux Fourneaux. The Pernand-Vergelesses holdings include 2.5 hectares in the premier cru sites Île des Vergelesses and Les Vergelesses, planted on east-facing slopes with limestone-rich soils at elevations between 250-300 meters.
The estate's most prestigious parcels lie on the hill of Corton, where they maintain 5.5 hectares of grand cru vineyards including Corton-Charlemagne for white wine and Corton-Bressandes, Corton-Clos du Roi, and Corton-Maréchaldes for red wines. These vineyards sit at elevations of 280-330 meters with varying exposures, featuring the classic Corton combination of limestone, marl, and iron-rich clay soils. The domaine's plantings are predominantly Pinot Noir (85%) with the remainder dedicated to Chardonnay, and vine age averages 45 years across the estate.
Philosophy & Practice
Domaine Chandon de Briailles adheres to biodynamic principles throughout their viticultural practices, having received Demeter certification in 2011. The estate implements horse-plowing in select parcels to minimize soil compaction, particularly in their grand cru vineyards. All vineyard work is performed manually, including harvest, where rigorous selection occurs both in the vineyard and at the sorting table.
In the cellar, the domaine employs traditional winemaking techniques with minimal intervention. Fermentations proceed with native yeasts in open-top wooden vats, and the estate practices significant whole-cluster fermentation—typically 100% for grand crus, 80% for premier crus, and 50-70% for village wines. This approach reflects their commitment to expressing site-specific characteristics through traditional methods.
Aging takes place in French oak barrels, with new oak usage deliberately restrained: 20-30% for grand crus, 10-20% for premier crus, and 0-10% for village wines. The wines typically spend 18 months in barrel for grand crus, 16 months for premier crus, and 12-14 months for village wines before bottling without fining or filtration. The domaine's production remains deliberately small, averaging 45,000 bottles annually, allowing for meticulous attention throughout the winemaking process.