Robert Groffier
Summary
Domaine Robert Groffier is a three-generation family estate in Morey-Saint-Denis with 7 hectares of prestigious holdings, including parcels in Chambertin Clos de Bèze and Bonnes-Mares Grand Crus, producing primarily Pinot Noir from limestone-clay soils with vines averaging 40 years. Their winemaking balances traditional Burgundian methods with careful modern refinements, featuring partial whole-cluster fermentation, judicious oak aging, and minimal intervention practices that honor terroir expression while maintaining the estate's classic approach across generations.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine Robert Groffier was established in the 1950s in the Côte de Nuits region of Burgundy by Robert Groffier, who built the foundation of what would become one of Burgundy's respected family estates. The domaine is based in Morey-Saint-Denis, though its vineyard holdings span several prestigious appellations. Following Robert's stewardship, his son Serge Groffier took over operations in the 1980s, continuing to develop the estate's reputation for quality Pinot Noir. The third and current generation is represented by Nicolas Groffier, who joined his father Serge in the early 2000s and gradually assumed full responsibility for winemaking. Nicolas officially took the reins in 2005, bringing formal oenological training to complement the family's traditional knowledge. Under his direction, the domaine has maintained its focus on expressing the distinct terroirs of their holdings while implementing subtle technical improvements in both vineyard management and cellar practices.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine Robert Groffier manages approximately 7 hectares of vineyards distributed across several prestigious appellations in the Côte de Nuits. Their most notable holdings include parcels in two Grand Crus: Chambertin Clos de Bèze in Gevrey-Chambertin and Bonnes-Mares, which straddles the border between Chambolle-Musigny and Morey-Saint-Denis. The domaine also possesses exceptional Premier Cru sites in Chambolle-Musigny, including Les Amoureuses, Les Sentiers, and Les Hauts-Doix. Their village-level holdings include plots in Chambolle-Musigny and Gevrey-Chambertin. The vineyards feature the classic limestone and clay soils of the Côte de Nuits, with variations in the proportion of clay, limestone, and marl contributing to the distinctive character of each wine. The vines average 40 years of age, with some parcels containing vines over 70 years old. The domaine's production is focused almost exclusively on Pinot Noir, with a small amount of Passetoutgrain (a traditional Burgundian blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay) rounding out their portfolio.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking approach at Domaine Robert Groffier balances traditional Burgundian methods with careful modern refinements. In the vineyard, they practice sustainable viticulture with meticulous attention to canopy management and yield control. Harvest is conducted by hand, with rigorous sorting both in the vineyard and at the winery. The domaine employs partial whole-cluster fermentation, varying the percentage based on the vintage and specific vineyard site—typically ranging from 15% to 30%. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled tanks, with gentle extraction methods to preserve fruit purity and terroir expression. The wines are aged in French oak barrels for 12-18 months, with the percentage of new oak adapted to each cuvée—generally 30-50% for Premier Crus and 50-70% for Grand Crus. Nicolas Groffier has gradually reduced the overall use of new oak since taking over, seeking greater transparency in the wines. The domaine practices minimal intervention in the cellar, with light filtration only when necessary and minimal sulfur additions. The wines are bottled according to the lunar calendar, following Burgundian tradition.