Charles Audoin, Domaine
Summary
Domaine Charles Audoin is a family-owned estate in Marsannay-la-Côte at the northern edge of Côte de Nuits, farming 14 hectares of predominantly 45-year-old Pinot Noir vines across limestone-clay soils in key climats like Les Longeroies and Clos du Roy. Under Cyril Audoin's direction, the domaine combines organic farming with traditional Burgundian winemaking techniques to produce site-specific wines that have helped establish qualitative benchmarks for Marsannay and strengthen the case for premier cru recognition in the appellation.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine Charles Audoin was established in 1972 in the village of Marsannay-la-Côte, at the northern end of the Côte de Nuits in Burgundy. The domaine was founded by Charles Audoin and his wife Marie-Françoise, who began with just 2 hectares of vineyards. Charles represented the fifth generation of a winemaking family in Marsannay, while Marie-Françoise brought additional vineyard parcels to their union. Their son, Cyril Audoin, joined the family business in 1989 after completing his oenological studies and gradually assumed greater responsibilities in both vineyard management and winemaking. Following Charles' retirement, Cyril took full control of operations, continuing to build on his father's foundation while implementing his own refinements to viticulture and vinification practices. Under Cyril's direction, the domaine has expanded its holdings to approximately 14 hectares and has been instrumental in raising the profile of Marsannay wines within Burgundy's hierarchy.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine Charles Audoin's 14 hectares of vineyards are primarily located within the Marsannay appellation, with additional holdings in Fixin and Gevrey-Chambertin. The domaine manages over 20 different parcels, including significant holdings in premier Marsannay climats such as Les Longeroies, Clos du Roy, and Les Favernottes. The vineyards are planted predominantly to Pinot Noir (approximately 80% of plantings), with the remainder dedicated to Chardonnay and a small amount of Aligoté. The vines average 45 years of age, with some parcels exceeding 80 years. The soils in Marsannay typically consist of limestone and clay, with varying proportions depending on the specific site. Vineyard elevations range from 255 to 390 meters above sea level, with many parcels enjoying favorable east and southeast exposures. The domaine produces a comprehensive range of Marsannay wines, including red, white, and rosé expressions, along with bottlings from their Fixin and Gevrey-Chambertin parcels.
Philosophy & Practice
The viticultural approach at Domaine Charles Audoin emphasizes respect for the land and minimal intervention. The domaine practices organic farming methods across their vineyards, with careful attention to soil health through regular plowing rather than herbicide use. Harvest is conducted entirely by hand, with rigorous sorting both in the vineyard and at the winery. In the cellar, Cyril Audoin employs traditional Burgundian techniques with modern precision. Fermentations for red wines occur in concrete or stainless steel tanks, with varying percentages of whole clusters depending on the vintage and specific vineyard site. Gentle extraction methods are preferred to preserve fruit purity and terroir expression. The wines age in French oak barrels, with new oak percentages carefully calibrated according to the wine's structure and appellation level—typically ranging from 15% for village wines to 40% for premier cru bottlings. The aging period generally extends from 12 to 18 months before bottling without fining or filtration. This methodical approach to both viticulture and vinification reflects the domaine's commitment to producing wines that authentically express the distinctive terroirs of Marsannay and their other Burgundian holdings.