Pierre Damoy, Domaine
Summary
Domaine Pierre Damoy manages 11 hectares of prime Burgundian vineyards in Gevrey-Chambertin, including substantial Grand Cru holdings in Chambertin-Clos de Bèze, focusing exclusively on Pinot Noir from limestone-rich soils with vines averaging 40-60 years. The family-owned estate, led by Pierre-Jean Damoy since 1992, employs traditional methods including hand-harvesting, native yeast fermentations, and careful oak aging scaled by wine hierarchy, with minimal intervention to preserve terroir expression.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine Pierre Damoy traces its roots to the early 20th century when the Damoy family established their presence in Gevrey-Chambertin. The domaine took its current form in 1992 when Pierre-Jean Damoy assumed control from his uncle Pierre Damoy, marking a significant transition in the estate's history. The Damoy family's connection to these prestigious Burgundian vineyards extends back several generations, with their holdings gradually assembled through inheritance and careful acquisitions.
Pierre-Jean Damoy, trained in both viticulture and oenology, brought a fresh perspective to the family business while maintaining respect for traditional Burgundian methods. Under his direction, the domaine has focused on expressing the distinct terroirs of their exceptional vineyard holdings. The transition represented not merely a change in management but a deliberate refinement of the estate's approach to both vineyard work and winemaking.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine Pierre Damoy manages approximately 11 hectares of vineyards, including significant parcels in three Grand Cru sites: Chambertin, Chambertin-Clos de Bèze, and Chapelle-Chambertin. The domaine holds 5.5 hectares in Chambertin-Clos de Bèze, representing one of the largest single ownerships within this Grand Cru. Their Chambertin holdings extend to 2.2 hectares, while the Chapelle-Chambertin parcel covers 0.4 hectares.
The vineyards sit on the limestone-rich soils characteristic of the Côte de Nuits, with variations in clay content and limestone structure contributing to the distinctive character of each site. The vines average 40-60 years in age, with some parcels containing vines over 80 years old. These mature vines naturally produce lower yields with more concentrated fruit.
Beyond their Grand Cru holdings, the domaine produces Premier Cru wines from Gevrey-Chambertin "Clos Tamisot" and a village-level Gevrey-Chambertin. All vineyards are planted to Pinot Noir, adhering to the appellation regulations of the region.
Philosophy & Practice
Pierre-Jean Damoy employs traditional Burgundian winemaking techniques with selective modern adaptations. In the vineyard, work focuses on maintaining low yields through careful pruning and canopy management to ensure optimal ripeness. Harvest is conducted by hand, with rigorous sorting both in the vineyard and at the winery.
The winemaking process begins with partial or complete destemming depending on the vintage conditions. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled vats with native yeasts, and extraction is managed through gentle punch-downs and pump-overs. The domaine ages its wines in French oak barrels, with new oak percentages varying by wine level—approximately 50-70% for Grand Crus, 30-50% for Premier Crus, and 20-30% for village wines. This aging typically extends for 18-24 months.
Bottling is conducted without fining or filtration when possible, preserving the wines' natural structure and aging potential. The domaine's approach emphasizes minimal intervention, allowing each vineyard's terroir to express itself clearly in the finished wines. This philosophy extends from vineyard management through vinification and aging, with each decision guided by the goal of authentic expression of Gevrey-Chambertin's distinctive terroirs.