Pierre Bouree
Summary
Pierre Bourée Fils is a fifth-generation family-owned producer operating as both domaine and négociant from Gevrey-Chambertin since 1864, focusing primarily on traditional Pinot Noir wines from their holdings across the Côte de Nuits. Their winemaking philosophy emphasizes classic Burgundian methods including cold maceration and open-top fermentation, with a distinctive practice of extended cellar aging before release that allows their wines to develop maturity.
Heritage & Leadership
Pierre Bourée Fils was established in 1864 in the village of Gevrey-Chambertin, marking the beginning of a family legacy that continues in Burgundy to this day. Founded by Pierre Bourée, the house began as a négociant operation, purchasing grapes from local growers while gradually acquiring its own vineyard holdings. Now in its fifth generation of family ownership, the company maintains its headquarters in the same village where it began over 150 years ago.
The current leadership rests with Bernard and Vincent Bourée, who maintain the traditional approaches established by their predecessors while adapting to modern market demands. Under their direction, Pierre Bourée Fils has maintained its position as a traditional Burgundian producer focused on expressing the distinct terroirs of the Côte d'Or. The family's long-standing presence in Gevrey-Chambertin has allowed them to develop deep relationships with growers throughout the region, securing access to quality fruit beyond their own holdings.
Vineyards & Wines
Pierre Bourée Fils produces wines from numerous appellations across Burgundy, with particular focus on the Côte de Nuits. Their portfolio includes wines from Gevrey-Chambertin, Chambolle-Musigny, Vosne-Romanée, and Nuits-Saint-Georges, spanning village, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru designations. The house produces both red and white Burgundies, though their reputation is primarily built on their Pinot Noir-based wines.
The company operates as both a domaine (estate producer) and négociant, with their own vineyards supplemented by purchased fruit from trusted growers. Their wines reflect the classic characteristics of their respective appellations, with Gevrey-Chambertin offerings displaying the appellation's typical structure and aging potential. The house produces several Grand Cru bottlings, including Charmes-Chambertin and Chambertin Clos de Bèze, which represent the pinnacle of their production hierarchy.
Philosophy & Practice
Pierre Bourée Fils adheres to traditional Burgundian winemaking methods, emphasizing minimal intervention to allow clear expression of terroir. Their red wine production follows classic techniques, including cold maceration, fermentation in open-top vats, and manual punch-downs. The wines undergo extended aging in French oak barrels, with the percentage of new oak and aging duration calibrated according to the quality level of each wine.
The house maintains a patient approach to wine development, often releasing their wines later than many contemporaries. This extended bottle aging before release is particularly notable for their Premier and Grand Cru offerings, which may rest in the cellar for several years before entering the market. This practice reflects their commitment to offering wines that have begun their evolution toward maturity.
In the vineyards, whether their own or those of their growers, the focus remains on quality fruit as the foundation of their wines. Their long-standing relationships with growers throughout the Côte d'Or allow them to maintain consistency in their négociant wines alongside their estate production. This balanced approach between tradition and pragmatism has enabled Pierre Bourée to maintain their distinctive house style through generations of family stewardship.