Confuron Cotetidot, Domaine
Summary
Domaine Confuron-Cotetidot is a family-owned 12-hectare estate in Vosne-Romanée producing structured Pinot Noir from exceptional vineyard holdings across the Côte de Nuits, where limestone-clay soils and old vines contribute to the wines' depth. The brothers Yves and Jean-Pierre maintain traditional Burgundian methods including late harvesting, extensive whole-cluster fermentation, and extended maceration followed by patient oak aging, resulting in terroir-expressive wines with remarkable aging potential.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine Confuron-Cotetidot traces its origins to the marriage of Jean-Jacques Confuron and Bernadette Cotetidot in 1964, uniting two established Burgundian winemaking families. Based in Vosne-Romanée, the estate represents the continuation of viticultural traditions dating back several generations in the Côte de Nuits. The current generation is led by brothers Yves and Jean-Pierre Confuron, who assumed control of the domaine in the 1980s. Yves serves as the winemaker, bringing technical expertise developed through his oenological studies and consulting work at other estates, while Jean-Pierre focuses on vineyard management. Under their direction, the domaine has maintained a steadfast commitment to traditional Burgundian methods while refining quality across their portfolio.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine Confuron-Cotetidot manages approximately 12 hectares of vineyards spread across several prestigious appellations in the Côte de Nuits. Their holdings include parcels in Vosne-Romanée, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Chambolle-Musigny, and Gevrey-Chambertin. The estate's grand cru properties encompass plots in Echézeaux and Charmes-Chambertin, while their premier cru holdings include Vosne-Romanée Les Suchots, Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Vignes Rondes, and Gevrey-Chambertin Lavaux Saint-Jacques. The vineyards feature predominantly limestone and clay soils typical of the Côte de Nuits, with variations in composition contributing to the distinctive character of each site. The domaine's plantings consist entirely of Pinot Noir for red wines and Chardonnay for their limited white production, with many parcels containing vines exceeding 50 years of age.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach at Confuron-Cotetidot adheres firmly to traditional Burgundian methods. The domaine is known for late harvesting, allowing for complete phenolic ripeness while maintaining natural acidity. In the cellar, fermentations typically incorporate a high percentage of whole clusters, often 100% depending on the vintage, which Yves believes contributes structural elements and aromatic complexity. Fermentation occurs in wooden vats using native yeasts, followed by extended maceration to extract color and tannin. The wines mature in French oak barrels for 18-20 months, with new oak usage varying by appellation level but typically restrained. Minimal intervention characterizes their approach, with limited fining and filtration before bottling. The resulting wines display pronounced structure and concentration, often requiring bottle age to reveal their full potential. The domaine's consistent application of these methods across their range reflects their commitment to expressing the distinct terroirs of their holdings.