Henri Naudin-Ferrand
Summary
Domaine Henri Naudin-Ferrand is a family-owned estate in Magny-lès-Villers, Burgundy, managing 22 hectares across diverse appellations including Hautes-Côtes de Beaune and Nuits, where they craft Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines from predominantly limestone and clay soils at elevations of 300-400 meters. Under Claire Naudin's leadership since 1994, the domaine practices certified organic viticulture with minimal intervention winemaking, employing hand harvesting, indigenous yeast fermentation, and minimal sulfur additions to create unfined, minimally filtered wines that authentically express their terroir.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine Henri Naudin-Ferrand is located in the small village of Magny-lès-Villers, strategically positioned between the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune in Burgundy. The domaine has been family-owned and operated since the mid-20th century. Claire Naudin, daughter of Henri Naudin-Ferrand, took over management of the estate in 1994 and continues to direct operations today. Under her leadership, the domaine has maintained its focus on expressing the distinctive terroirs of their vineyard holdings while implementing thoughtful changes to winemaking practices. The transition of leadership from father to daughter marked a significant evolution in the domaine's approach, with Claire bringing her own philosophy while respecting the foundation established by previous generations.
Vineyards & Wines
The domaine manages approximately 22 hectares of vineyards spread across multiple appellations, including Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, Hautes-Côtes de Nuits, Aloxe-Corton, and Ladoix. This diverse portfolio allows the domaine to produce wines that showcase the varied terroirs of Burgundy. The vineyards in the Hautes-Côtes regions sit at higher elevations, ranging from 300-400 meters, with predominantly limestone and clay soils that contribute minerality and structure to the wines. The domaine cultivates both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with smaller plantings of Aligoté. Many of the vineyard parcels feature older vines, particularly in their premier cru holdings. The domaine produces a range of wines including village-level bottlings, premier crus, and several distinctive cuvées that highlight specific terroir characteristics or winemaking approaches.
Philosophy & Practice
Claire Naudin employs a minimal intervention approach throughout the winemaking process. The domaine has been certified organic since the early 2000s, with practices that prioritize soil health and biodiversity in the vineyards. Harvesting is done by hand, with careful sorting to ensure only the highest quality fruit enters the winery. Fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts in a mix of vessels, including traditional wooden vats for red wines and a combination of stainless steel tanks and oak barrels for whites. The domaine uses gravity flow techniques to minimize harsh handling of the wine. Aging protocols vary by cuvée, with premier crus typically spending 12-18 months in French oak barrels, using a measured approach to new oak that allows the terroir expression to remain prominent. Sulfur additions are kept to a minimum, with slightly higher levels used only at bottling to ensure stability. The domaine bottles their wines unfined and with minimal filtration to preserve complexity and authentic expression of their vineyards.