Francois Lamarche, Domaine
Summary
Domaine François Lamarche is a six-generation family estate in Vosne-Romanée managing 11 hectares of limestone and clay-rich vineyards in the Côte de Nuits, focusing primarily on Pinot Noir from their monopole La Grande Rue Grand Cru and other prestigious sites. Under the leadership of cousins Nicole and Nathalie Lamarche, the domaine employs gentle extraction methods favoring infusion over manipulation, with oak treatment carefully calibrated to each wine's stature during their traditional 12-18 month maturation.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine François Lamarche traces its origins to the late 19th century when Henri Lamarche established the estate in Vosne-Romanée. The domaine gained significant prominence in 1933 when Henri acquired the La Grande Rue vineyard, a 1.65-hectare plot situated between La Tâche and Romanée-Conti. This acquisition would later prove pivotal to the family's heritage when La Grande Rue was classified as a Grand Cru in 1992.
The estate passed through generations with François Lamarche taking the helm in the mid-20th century, further developing the domaine's reputation. Following François' passing in 2004, the estate transitioned to the current generation with his daughter Nicole Lamarche assuming the role of winemaker and her cousin Nathalie Lamarche managing the business operations. This female leadership team represents the sixth generation of the family to steward these historic vineyards. Nicole, who studied oenology at the University of Dijon, brings technical expertise while Nathalie contributes business acumen to their collaborative management approach.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine François Lamarche manages approximately 11 hectares of vineyards across several prestigious appellations in the Côte de Nuits. The jewel in their portfolio is the 1.65-hectare La Grande Rue Grand Cru monopole (exclusively owned by the domaine), situated in a prime location between La Tâche and Romanée-Conti in Vosne-Romanée. The domaine also holds parcels in other Grand Cru vineyards: 0.73 hectares in Échezeaux, 0.58 hectares in Grands Échezeaux, and 0.17 hectares in Clos de Vougeot.
Their Premier Cru holdings include plots in Vosne-Romanée Les Malconsorts, Les Chaumes, Les Suchots, and Les Croix Rameau. The domaine also produces village-level wines from Vosne-Romanée and Nuits-Saint-Georges. The vineyards are predominantly planted with Pinot Noir, with vines ranging from 30 to 60 years in age. The soils vary across their holdings but generally consist of limestone and clay mixtures typical of the Côte de Nuits, with varying proportions that contribute to the distinct character of each vineyard site.
Philosophy & Practice
Under Nicole Lamarche's direction, the domaine has refined its viticultural and winemaking practices to emphasize vineyard expression. In the vineyards, they implement sustainable farming methods with meticulous attention to soil health and vine balance. Harvest is conducted by hand with careful sorting to ensure only optimal fruit enters the winery.
The winemaking approach at Domaine François Lamarche balances tradition with thoughtful innovation. After destemming (with percentages varying by vintage conditions), fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled vats. Nicole employs a gentle extraction process, preferring infusion-like techniques over aggressive punch-downs to preserve aromatic complexity and texture. New oak usage is calibrated according to the vineyard and vintage, typically ranging from 30% for village wines to 50-100% for Grand Crus, with aging periods of 12-18 months.
The domaine's philosophy centers on transparency—allowing each vineyard's distinctive characteristics to emerge through minimal intervention. This approach reflects their commitment to expressing the nuanced terroirs of their historic holdings, particularly their prized La Grande Rue monopole, which receives especially attentive care in both vineyard and cellar.