Jerome Galeyrand
Summary
Jérôme Galeyrand, a former mechanic turned winemaker, operates his small 5-hectare domaine in Gevrey-Chambertin producing primarily Pinot Noir from limestone-clay soils across prime Côte de Nuits appellations, including parcels with 50-year-old vines. His hands-on approach applies mechanical precision to every aspect of production—from sustainable farming and hand harvesting to native yeast fermentation in open-top vats and minimal-intervention aging—resulting in unfined, minimally filtered wines that authentically express their terroir.
Heritage & Leadership
Jérôme Galeyrand established his eponymous domaine in 2002 in Gevrey-Chambertin, marking a significant career change from his previous profession as a motorcycle mechanic. Originally from Beaujolais, Galeyrand moved to Burgundy in the late 1990s where he worked for various estates to develop his winemaking knowledge before launching his own venture. The domaine began as a micro-négociant operation, with Galeyrand purchasing small quantities of grapes while gradually acquiring his own vineyard parcels.
Unlike many Burgundian producers with multi-generational histories, Galeyrand represents the new wave of first-generation winemakers who have established themselves in the region through determination and craftsmanship rather than inheritance. He remains the sole proprietor and winemaker, personally overseeing all aspects of production from vineyard management to bottling.
Vineyards & Wines
The domaine currently comprises approximately 5 hectares of vineyards spread across several appellations in the Côte de Nuits. Galeyrand's holdings include parcels in Gevrey-Chambertin, Chambolle-Musigny, and Fixin, with a focus on village-level and premier cru sites. His flagship wines come from the "En Croisette" and "La Justice" lieux-dits in Gevrey-Chambertin.
The vineyards feature the classic limestone-clay soils typical of the Côte de Nuits, with variations in the limestone-to-clay ratio depending on the specific site. Most of Galeyrand's vines are Pinot Noir, though he also works with small plantings of Aligoté and Chardonnay. The vine age varies across his parcels, with some vines reaching 50+ years of age, particularly in his Gevrey-Chambertin plots.
Galeyrand produces a focused range of wines including his Côte de Nuits-Villages "Au Leurey," Gevrey-Chambertin "En Croisette," Gevrey-Chambertin "La Justice," and Chambolle-Musigny. His total annual production remains limited at approximately 15,000 bottles, reflecting the small-scale, artisanal nature of the domaine.
Philosophy & Practice
Galeyrand adheres to traditional Burgundian winemaking practices while incorporating thoughtful adaptations based on each vintage's specific characteristics. In the vineyard, he employs sustainable farming methods with minimal chemical interventions, focusing on maintaining healthy soils and balanced vine growth. Harvest is conducted entirely by hand, with rigorous sorting both in the vineyard and at the winery.
For vinification, Galeyrand uses native yeasts for fermentation in open-top wooden vats. Maceration typically lasts 15-20 days, with gentle extraction achieved through punch-downs and pump-overs adjusted according to the vintage and specific vineyard site. The wines are aged in French oak barrels for 12-18 months, with new oak usage kept moderate (typically 20-30%) to preserve the terroir expression.
Galeyrand's approach emphasizes precision and transparency, allowing each vineyard's distinctive character to emerge in the finished wines. He bottles his wines unfined and with minimal filtration only when necessary. This meticulous attention to detail throughout the production process reflects his background as a mechanic—a methodical craftsman now applying his skills to winemaking rather than motorcycles.