White dry
A white Burgundy wine made from ‘Aligoté Doré’, an old, golden-skinned variant of ‘Aligoté’. Compared to the more common ‘Aligoté Vert’, it offers greater aromatic concentration, a richer expression of fruit and a more mature texture. It is one of the defining grape varieties of the Bouzeron appellation, and the village itself, in the Côte Chalonnaise, is the only village-level appellation in Burgundy dedicated exclusively to ‘Aligoté’ wines.
The 2023 vintage displays a subtle yet fairly complex aromatic profile. The nose reveals citrus fruits, lime blossom and other white flowers, while the palate offers white fruit, fresh, crisp acidity and a gently rounded fruit character. The structure is complemented by a pronounced saline mineral note, particularly evident on the finish, adding a refreshing edge to the wine.
The grapes are sourced from 17 different parcels situated on the finest slopes of Bouzeron. The soils are predominantly marly and limestone-rich, while the elevated vineyard sites provide good sun exposure and help preserve freshness. Bringing together fruit from these different parcels allows the wine to express a broader sense of place, balancing fruit richness and roundness with a distinctive mineral structure.
The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully selected before being slowly and gently pressed in a pneumatic press to obtain clean, delicate juice. Fermentation takes place under controlled temperatures in stainless steel tanks, oak barrels and larger-format vessels.
Serve at a temperature of 11–12 °C with oysters, pan-fried white fish, or aged goat’s milk and hard cheeses.
Domaine de Villaine is located in the village of Bouzeron, in the Côte Chalonnaise, between Chassagne-Montrachet and Santenay to the north and the Rully and Mercurey appellations to the south. The estate was founded and long managed by Aubert de Villaine – co-owner and long-time director of the legendary Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, regarded as one of the most influential winemakers in Burgundy.
The domaine specializes in three Côte Chalonnaise appellations: Bouzeron (dedicated to ‘Aligoté’), Rully (‘Chardonnay’ and ‘Pinot Noir’), and Mercurey (‘Pinot Noir’). The wines from these distinct vineyard sites are exemplary expressions of what this complex and varied terroir can produce.
Since 1986, Domaine de Villaine has followed organic and biodynamic viticulture principles identical to those used at DRC. The vines are cultivated without pesticides or herbicides, and only organic animal compost is used as fertilizer. In 1997, the estate obtained official organic certification. Today, it is managed by Aubert’s nephew Pierre de Benoist, who continues his uncle’s commitment to perfection and harmony with nature.
Domaine de Villaine wines reflect Burgundian elegance, subtlety, and a distinct expression of terroir. They are enjoyable in their youth yet possess the ability to age gracefully, gaining complexity and depth over time.
White wine – ‘Aligoté’ from Bouzeron is renowned for its minerality, crisp acidity, and delicate fruit character. ‘Chardonnay’ from Rully offers floral notes, lemon zest, nuts, and subtle oak, combined with a rich texture and a long, lingering finish.
Red wine – ‘Pinot Noir’ from Rully and Mercurey shows red berry, cherry, spice, and gentle earthy nuances, with polished tannins and an elegant structure.
The estate owns several highly regarded vineyard sites, each with its own distinctive character:
Bouzeron – the only appellation in Burgundy dedicated exclusively to ‘Aligoté’. Produces expressive, mineral-driven, and fresh white wines.
Rully – yields refined and elegant ‘Chardonnay’ as well as sophisticated ‘Pinot Noir’.
Mercurey – known for structured, fuller-bodied ‘Pinot Noir’ with excellent aging potential.
All plots are worked by hand, using traditional and environmentally friendly methods to ensure the fullest possible expression of terroir.
Both white and red wines are aged in oak barrels – whites for around 12 months, reds for 12–18 months – with only a small proportion of new oak used. Fermentation is carried out with natural yeasts and without filtration.
Domaine de Villaine wines are well-suited for early enjoyment due to their freshness and balance, yet top examples, especially from Rully and Mercurey, can mature harmoniously for 8–12 years, developing even greater aromatic and flavor complexity.
