Cyprien Arlaud
Summary
Domaine Arlaud is a third-generation family estate in Burgundy's Côte de Nuits managing 15 hectares across prestigious appellations, producing primarily Pinot Noir from limestone and clay soils with many vines exceeding 50 years of age. The biodynamic-certified domaine employs horses for vineyard plowing, practices native yeast fermentation in wooden vats, and ages their wines with restrained oak usage before bottling without fining or filtration.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine Arlaud was established in 1942 when Joseph Arlaud, a native of the Ardèche region, and his Burgundian wife Renée Amiot founded the estate. The domaine began with vineyards received as a wedding gift from Renée's family, establishing their roots in the Côte de Nuits. Joseph's son Hervé Arlaud subsequently took over the family business, expanding their vineyard holdings and building the domaine's reputation throughout the latter part of the 20th century.
In 2003, Cyprien Arlaud assumed leadership of the family estate from his father Hervé, becoming the third generation to helm the domaine. Prior to taking full control, Cyprien had been working alongside his father and siblings at the estate, with his brother Romain and sister Bertille also involved in various aspects of the business. Under Cyprien's direction, the domaine has maintained its commitment to traditional Burgundian winemaking while implementing biodynamic farming practices across their vineyards.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine Arlaud manages approximately 15 hectares of vineyards spread across multiple appellations in the Côte de Nuits. Their holdings include parcels in Morey-Saint-Denis, Chambolle-Musigny, Gevrey-Chambertin, and Vosne-Romanée. The domaine produces wines from several prestigious Grand Cru sites, including Clos de la Roche, Clos Saint-Denis, Charmes-Chambertin, and Bonnes Mares.
Their Premier Cru holdings are equally impressive, with parcels in Morey-Saint-Denis "Les Ruchots," Chambolle-Musigny "Les Sentiers," and Gevrey-Chambertin "Aux Combottes." The vineyards feature the classic limestone and clay soils of the Côte de Nuits, with variations in the limestone-to-clay ratio depending on the specific site. In Morey-Saint-Denis, their parcels contain more limestone and active calcium, while their Gevrey-Chambertin sites have a higher proportion of clay.
The domaine focuses primarily on Pinot Noir, which comprises approximately 95% of their production, with small amounts of Chardonnay making up the remainder. Many of their vineyards contain older vines, with some parcels in their Premier and Grand Cru sites exceeding 50 years of age.
Philosophy & Practice
Domaine Arlaud received full biodynamic certification from both Demeter and Biodyvin in 2009, following years of transitioning away from conventional farming methods. Their viticultural approach emphasizes minimal intervention and respect for the natural ecosystem. The domaine employs horse plowing in many of their vineyards to minimize soil compaction, using two horses named Nougat and Okapi for this purpose.
In the winery, Cyprien follows traditional Burgundian techniques with a focus on expressing terroir. Grapes are harvested by hand and undergo careful sorting before fermentation. Depending on the vintage and vineyard, Cyprien employs varying percentages of whole cluster fermentation, typically using higher percentages for their Premier and Grand Cru wines. Fermentation occurs with native yeasts in wooden vats, with gentle extraction methods to preserve fruit purity.
For aging, the domaine uses French oak barrels with a measured approach to new wood. Village-level wines see little to no new oak, while Premier Crus receive approximately 25-30% new barrels, and Grand Crus about 30-40%. This restrained use of new oak allows the terroir characteristics to remain prominent in the finished wines. The wines typically age for 15-18 months before bottling without fining or filtration.