Dublere
History and Background
Domaine Dublère, located in Savigny-lès-Beaune, Burgundy, France, was established in the early 2000s by American-born winemaker Blair Pethel. The estate is known for its exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, which reflect the unique terroir of the region. Domaine Dublère's commitment to quality and traditional winemaking practices has quickly earned it a prestigious reputation among Burgundy producers.
Vineyards and Terroir
Domaine Dublère's vineyards are situated in the Côte de Beaune region of Burgundy, France, covering approximately 6 hectares:
Soil Composition: The soils are predominantly limestone and clay, providing excellent conditions for grape growing.
Grape Varieties: The estate primarily grows Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, producing wines that reflect the elegance and complexity of Beaune and surrounding appellations.
Wine Style and Production
- Key Characteristics: Dublere's wines are celebrated for their refined elegance and structured complexity. These wines typically showcase a rich palette of blackcurrant, plum, and spice, accented with intricate layers of tobacco and cedar. The presence of notable acidity lends these wines a freshness, while firm tannins suggest they are poised for excellent aging potential.
- Winemaking Philosophy: At Dublere, the winemaking approach is deeply rooted in the marriage of traditional methods with contemporary innovation, aiming to vividly express the distinct characteristics of their terroir. The estate is committed to sustainable and organic vineyard practices, emphasizing the importance of hand-harvesting and green harvesting. This meticulous attention to detail in vineyard management ensures the harvesting of grapes at their peak quality and maturity.
- Influence on Style and Quality: Dublere's commitment to rigorous vineyard management and precision in production plays a crucial role in defining the style and quality of their wines. Their distinctive method of incorporating notable acidity into each wine adds crucial freshness and structural integrity. Moreover, the aging process in carefully selected French oak barrels introduces additional layers of complexity and refinement. These practices are integral to producing Dublere’s signature wines, known for their depth, elegance, and potential for longevity.
Reputation
Dublère is a respected name in the wine industry, particularly known for producing exceptional Burgundy wines. The winery's reputation is anchored in its meticulous attention to detail and dedication to expressing the unique terroir of Burgundy. Founded by Blair Pethel, an American expatriate, Dublère stands out due to its focus on crafting wines that are not only reflective of their specific vineyard sites but also made with a minimal-intervention philosophy.
One unique aspect of Dublère's approach is Pethel’s background as a journalist, which led him to Burgundy where he transitioned into winemaking. His outsider's perspective has infused Dublère with a fresh approach, combining traditional Burgundian techniques with a personal quest for purity and authenticity in winemaking. This includes the use of natural yeast fermentations and limited use of new oak to ensure the grape’s character shines through.
Additionally, Dublère is known for its selective vineyard sources, including some premier cru and grand cru sites, which contribute significantly to its prestige. They produce a limited quantity of wine, focusing on quality over quantity, which has helped them maintain high standards and secure their wines' position in the international market.
Overall, Dublère’s reputation is built on a foundation of passion, artisanal craftsmanship, and a clear vision that highlights the distinctive characteristics of Burgundy's terroir.
Final Thoughts
Dublère, a noteworthy wine producer in Burgundy, France, has carved out an impressive niche for capturing the quintessential spirit and subtleties of the region through meticulous vineyard management and a minimalist approach in the cellar. Helmed by the talented Blair Pethel, an ex-journalist turned winemaker, Dublère is distinguished by its commitment to producing pure, terroir-driven Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The winery's focus on select premier cru and village vineyards in both the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits allows it to craft wines that are not only emblematic of their origins but also consistently excellent, garnering positive critiques and a loyal following among Burgundy enthusiasts. Pethel's passion for detail and organic practices ensures each vintage distinctly reflects the nuances of its terroir, setting Dublère apart as a producer that both respects tradition and embraces innovation.