Gilbert et Christine Felettig
Summary
Domaine Felettig is a family-owned, third-generation Burgundian estate spanning 12-13 hectares across the Côte de Nuits, with its heart in Chambolle-Musigny, producing primarily Pinot Noir wines from premier cru parcels and grand cru holdings in Echézeaux and Clos de Vougeot. Their winemaking balances sustainable viticulture with selective stem inclusion and measured oak aging, creating terroir-transparent wines that deliver remarkable quality without the recognition or pricing of their more famous neighbors.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine Felettig is a family-owned estate firmly rooted in Chambolle-Musigny, one of the most distinguished villages in Burgundy's Côte de Nuits. The estate represents a multi-generational commitment to winemaking, with Gilbert Felettig and his sister Christine forming the cornerstone of the domaine's development as they worked in partnership for many years. Their collaborative leadership established the foundation for the domaine's reputation in the region.
In recent years, the family legacy has continued with the transition to the third generation. Gilbert's son, Henri Felettig, now manages the domaine, having taken the reins during the 2010s. This generational shift maintains the family's unbroken stewardship of the estate, which remains entirely family-owned without outside investment—a significant achievement in an era when many Burgundian domaines have attracted external capital.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine Felettig's vineyard holdings encompass approximately 12-13 hectares spread across several appellations in the Côte de Nuits. The heart of their production lies in Chambolle-Musigny, where they cultivate parcels in several premier cru vineyards. Beyond their home village, the domaine has extended its reach to include small but valuable holdings in the grand cru sites of Echézeaux and Clos de Vougeot, as well as parcels in the neighboring villages of Vosne-Romanée and Gevrey-Chambertin.
The domaine's portfolio centers primarily on Pinot Noir, reflecting the traditional focus of the Côte de Nuits. Their red wines, particularly those from Chambolle-Musigny, express the characteristic elegance and aromatic complexity associated with this appellation. Complementing their red wine production, the domaine also crafts a small quantity of white wine from Chardonnay, adding diversity to their offerings while maintaining their commitment to Burgundian varieties.
Philosophy & Practice
Domaine Felettig adheres to a winemaking philosophy that emphasizes traditional Burgundian expression. Their approach in the vineyard incorporates sustainable viticulture practices, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility while maintaining the health and quality of their vines.
In the winery, their technical approach includes the judicious use of partial stem inclusion during fermentation, a technique that varies according to the characteristics of each vintage and vineyard site. The aging process takes place in French oak barrels, with a measured approach to new oak—typically 20-30% for village-level wines and higher percentages reserved for their premier and grand cru bottlings. This careful oak regimen allows the terroir expression to remain at the forefront while providing structural support and subtle complexity to the wines.