Michel Gros, Domaine
Summary
Domaine Michel Gros is a fourth-generation family estate in Vosne-Romanée managing 23 hectares across the Côte de Nuits, primarily producing Pinot Noir from limestone-clay soils, including their monopole Clos des Réas which has been family-owned since 1860. Their winemaking balances traditional Burgundian methods with selective modern techniques, featuring sustainable viticulture, careful sorting, and judicious oak aging tailored to each wine's classification to faithfully express their terroirs.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine Michel Gros was established in 1975 when Michel Gros, born in 1951, began managing a portion of his family's vineyards in Vosne-Romanée. The domaine emerged from the division of the family estate, Domaine Jean Gros, following Jean's retirement. Michel, representing the fourth generation of this Burgundian family, officially took control of his own holdings while his siblings Anne, Bernard, and Anne-Françoise also established their independent domaines.
Michel Gros built the current winery in Vosne-Romanée in 1979, creating a foundation for his independent winemaking operation. His son Pierre now works alongside him, continuing the family's viticultural tradition into its fifth generation. The domaine's headquarters remains in Vosne-Romanée, at the heart of the Côte de Nuits, where the family has deep historical roots dating back to the early 20th century.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine Michel Gros manages approximately 23 hectares of vineyards spread across several appellations in the Côte de Nuits. The holdings include parcels in Vosne-Romanée, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Chambolle-Musigny, and Hautes-Côtes de Nuits. Among the most significant vineyards are the Premier Cru sites: Vosne-Romanée "Clos des Réas" (a 2.12-hectare monopole), Nuits-Saint-Georges "Les Chaliots," and Vosne-Romanée "Aux Brûlées."
The domaine's vineyards are predominantly planted with Pinot Noir, with small amounts of Chardonnay in the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits. The vines in the Premier Cru vineyards average 45-50 years of age, with some parcels containing vines over 70 years old. The soils vary by location, with the Vosne-Romanée vineyards featuring the classic limestone-clay composition that defines the appellation, while the Hautes-Côtes sites present thinner topsoil over limestone bedrock.
The flagship wine remains the Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru "Clos des Réas," a historic vineyard that has been in the Gros family's possession since 1860. The domaine also produces village-level wines from Vosne-Romanée, Chambolle-Musigny, and Nuits-Saint-Georges, as well as regional Bourgogne Rouge and Hautes-Côtes de Nuits in both red and white.
Philosophy & Practice
Michel Gros adheres to traditional Burgundian winemaking methods while incorporating modern techniques where beneficial. In the vineyards, he practices sustainable viticulture with careful canopy management and yield control. Harvest is conducted by hand, with rigorous sorting both in the vineyard and at the winery.
For red wine production, the domaine typically destems 70-100% of the grapes depending on the vintage and vineyard. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel or concrete vats, with daily punch-downs and pump-overs adjusted according to the character of each vintage. Maceration lasts between 15-21 days for the Premier Cru wines.
Aging takes place in French oak barrels, with the percentage of new oak varying by wine: 50-60% for Premier Crus, 30-40% for village wines, and 15-25% for regional appellations. The Premier Cru wines typically spend 18 months in barrel before bottling, while village and regional wines see 12-15 months of oak aging.
The domaine's approach focuses on expressing terroir through minimal intervention during vinification. Michel Gros aims for wines that balance fruit purity with structural elements, creating wines that reflect their specific vineyard origins while maintaining consistency in style across the portfolio.