Lamy-Caillat
Summary
Lamy-Caillat is a micro-domaine established in 2018 by Sébastien Caillat and Séverine Lamy in Saint-Aubin, focusing exclusively on Chardonnay from limestone-rich premier cru sites at 250-350 meters elevation. Their meticulous vineyard management, whole-cluster pressing, and judicious oak aging have quickly elevated their limited-production wines to cult status among Burgundy collectors, with bottles allocated before they're even bottled.
Heritage & Leadership
Lamy-Caillat was established in 2018 in the village of Saint-Aubin in Burgundy's Côte de Beaune. The domaine represents the collaborative vision of husband and wife team Sébastien Caillat and Séverine Lamy. Their partnership brings together complementary expertise and heritage, with Séverine being the daughter of Olivier Lamy, who heads the respected Domaine Hubert Lamy, also based in Saint-Aubin. Prior to founding their own domaine, Sébastien gained valuable experience working alongside his father-in-law, developing a deep understanding of the local terroir and traditional Burgundian winemaking techniques.
The domaine began with a modest collection of vineyard parcels, focusing exclusively on white wine production. Though young as an independent producer, Lamy-Caillat benefits from the deep regional knowledge and viticultural understanding that comes from the founders' connections to established Burgundian winemaking traditions. The couple personally oversees all aspects of production, maintaining a hands-on approach that reflects their commitment to quality and authenticity.
Vineyards & Wines
Lamy-Caillat's vineyard holdings are concentrated in the Saint-Aubin appellation, with carefully selected parcels that showcase the distinctive characteristics of this sometimes overlooked corner of the Côte de Beaune. Their vineyards are planted exclusively to Chardonnay, the signature white grape of the region. The domaine works with several premier cru sites within Saint-Aubin, including parcels in "Les Frionnes" and "Derrière Chez Edouard."
The vineyards sit on the limestone-rich soils typical of the Côte de Beaune, with variations in clay content and stone composition contributing to the distinctive mineral profile of their wines. These calcareous soils, combined with the relatively high elevation of many Saint-Aubin vineyards (between 250-350 meters) and their east to southeast exposures, create ideal conditions for producing precise, mineral-driven Chardonnay.
The domaine produces a focused range of wines, primarily at the premier cru level, that express the specific characteristics of each vineyard site. Production remains limited, with meticulous attention paid to each parcel.
Philosophy & Practice
Lamy-Caillat adheres to traditional Burgundian winemaking methods while incorporating thoughtful, precise techniques that maximize quality and terroir expression. In the vineyards, they practice rigorous canopy management and yield control to ensure optimal grape maturity and concentration. Harvest is conducted by hand, with careful sorting to select only the healthiest fruit.
In the cellar, whole-cluster pressing is employed to extract juice gently, preserving delicacy and minimizing phenolic extraction. Fermentation occurs in French oak barrels, with a measured approach to new oak that avoids overwhelming the wine's natural character. The wines undergo regular bâtonnage (lees stirring) during the early stages of aging, building texture while maintaining freshness.
The domaine's winemaking philosophy centers on minimal intervention, allowing each vineyard site to express its unique characteristics. Their approach balances respect for tradition with practical considerations that enhance quality. The limited production scale enables meticulous attention to detail throughout the winemaking process, from vineyard to bottle.