d'Eugenie, Domaine
Summary
Domaine d'Eugénie is a boutique 6.5-hectare estate in Vosne-Romanée, Burgundy, crafting precise Pinot Noir wines from exceptional holdings including three Grand Crus situated on eastern-facing limestone and clay slopes. Established in 2006 when François Pinault acquired the historic Domaine René Engel, the estate has rapidly ascended in quality through a balanced approach combining Burgundian tradition with technical precision under the leadership of experienced winemaker Michel Mallard.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine d'Eugénie was established in 2006 when François Pinault, the French businessman and owner of Château Latour in Bordeaux, acquired the historic Domaine René Engel in Vosne-Romanée. The estate was renamed in honor of Empress Eugénie, the wife of Napoleon III, reflecting Pinault's appreciation for French historical figures.
The transition marked a significant shift for this Burgundian property, which had previously been under the stewardship of the Engel family for three generations. Following the acquisition, Frédéric Engerer, who also oversees operations at Château Latour, was appointed to direct the domaine and implement a comprehensive quality-focused transformation. In 2019, Michel Mallard, an experienced Burgundian winemaker, took over as director while maintaining the estate's commitment to expressing the distinctive terroirs of Vosne-Romanée.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine d'Eugénie manages approximately 6.5 hectares of vineyards exclusively planted to Pinot Noir across several prestigious appellations in the Côte de Nuits. The estate's holdings include parcels in three Grand Cru vineyards: Échezeaux, Grands-Échezeaux, and Clos de Vougeot. Additionally, they cultivate vines in the Premier Cru "Aux Brûlées" and produce a village-level Vosne-Romanée.
The vineyards sit on the eastern-facing slopes of the Côte d'Or, with soils predominantly composed of limestone and clay in varying proportions depending on the specific site. This geological foundation, combined with the meticulous vineyard management, allows each wine to display its distinct character. The team maintains low yields through careful canopy management and selective pruning to ensure optimal fruit concentration.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach at Domaine d'Eugénie balances respect for tradition with precise technical execution. Harvest is conducted entirely by hand, with rigorous sorting both in the vineyard and at the winery. The fruit undergoes cold maceration before fermentation to extract color and aromatic compounds while preserving freshness.
Fermentation practices vary by vineyard and vintage, with partial whole-cluster inclusion depending on the maturity of the stems. The estate employs native yeasts for fermentation, which occurs in a combination of stainless steel tanks and wooden vats. Aging takes place in French oak barrels, with the percentage of new oak adjusted according to the hierarchy of the wines—generally higher for Grand Cru bottlings and more moderate for village wines.
In the vineyards, the team implements sustainable farming methods with a focus on soil health and biodiversity. Plowing is preferred over herbicides, and treatments are minimized to encourage natural vineyard balance. This meticulous attention extends from vine to bottle, reflecting the domaine's commitment to producing wines that faithfully translate the distinctive terroirs of Vosne-Romanée.