Xavier Monnot
Summary
Domaine Xavier Monnot is a family-owned, 17-20 hectare estate in Meursault producing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines from premier cru and village sites across Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Volnay, and Pommard, where limestone-clay soils and older vines contribute distinctive mineral qualities. Xavier employs sustainable farming with minimal intervention, making traditional Burgundian wines through hands-on viticulture, barrel fermentation for whites, and vintage-specific decisions about destemming for reds, all aged 12-18 months to develop complexity while preserving freshness.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine Xavier Monnot is a family-owned wine estate based in Meursault in Burgundy's Côte de Beaune. The domaine's history extends back to at least the mid-20th century when it operated under the name Domaine René Monnier, after Xavier's grandfather. In the early 2000s, Xavier Monnot assumed control of the family estate, representing at least the fourth generation of his family to manage these vineyards. Upon taking leadership, he renamed the domaine to reflect his stewardship and approach to winemaking.
The transition from Domaine René Monnier to Domaine Xavier Monnot marked a continuation of family tradition while allowing Xavier to establish his own identity as proprietor and winemaker. Throughout its history, the domaine has maintained its focus on producing wines from some of the Côte de Beaune's distinguished appellations, building on generations of viticultural knowledge and connection to the land.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine Xavier Monnot encompasses approximately 17-20 hectares of vineyards spread across several prestigious appellations in the Côte de Beaune. The estate's holdings include parcels in Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Volnay, and Pommard, with notable premier cru sites such as Meursault "Les Charmes" and Volnay "Les Caillerets" among their portfolio.
The vineyards feature the limestone and clay soils characteristic of the Côte de Beaune, providing the mineral foundation that defines the region's wines. Many of the estate's parcels contain older vines, with some exceeding 50 years of age, contributing to the depth and concentration of the resulting wines.
The domaine produces both white and red wines, working with the traditional Burgundian varieties. Their white wines are crafted from Chardonnay grown primarily in Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet, while their red wines showcase Pinot Noir from Volnay and Pommard. This balance of white and red wine production reflects the diverse terroir of their holdings across multiple appellations, allowing the domaine to express the distinctive characteristics of each site.
Philosophy & Practice
Xavier Monnot employs traditional Burgundian winemaking techniques throughout his production process. For white wines, this includes barrel fermentation and aging, preserving the house style while respecting the character of each vineyard site. The red wine production involves decisions about destemming based on vintage conditions and the specific vineyard parcel, allowing for flexibility in response to each harvest's unique characteristics.
The aging process typically extends between 12-18 months before bottling, providing time for the wines to develop complexity while maintaining freshness. This measured approach to maturation reflects the domaine's commitment to producing wines that express their terroir with clarity and precision.
The estate's viticultural practices emphasize sustainable methods with minimal intervention, focusing on vineyard health and grape quality as the foundation for exceptional wines. This approach to farming, combined with traditional cellar techniques, enables the domaine to produce wines that authentically represent their Côte de Beaune origins while reflecting the distinctive vision of Xavier Monnot.