Clos du Moulin aux Moines is a historic and revered estate nestled in the picturesque village of Auxey-Duresses, in the heart of Burgundy, France. The winery's origins date back to the 10th century, when it was founded by the monks of the Abbey of Cluny. The monks cultivated vineyards around the estate, making it one of the oldest wine-producing properties in the region. The name "Moulin aux Moines," which translates to "Mill of the Monks," reflects the property's dual purpose as a working mill and vineyard during medieval times, a testament to its deep connection with the land and its enduring legacy of winemaking.
Today, Clos du Moulin aux Moines covers over 15 hectares of prime vineyards across several appellations in Burgundy, including prestigious names such as Pommard, Auxey-Duresses, and Meursault. The estate is known for producing both red and white wines, with a focus on Burgundy’s hallmark varietals: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Each wine produced by Clos du Moulin aux Moines is a reflection of its specific terroir, showcasing the unique combination of soil, climate, and topography that define the Burgundy region. The estate’s vineyards benefit from a cool continental climate, which, combined with the limestone-rich soils, provides the ideal conditions for growing grapes of exceptional quality and character.
Clos du Moulin aux Moines is committed to organic and biodynamic farming practices, a philosophy that aligns with its centuries-old respect for the land. The estate received organic certification in 2008 and has since embraced biodynamic methods, which involve holistic vineyard management practices that promote biodiversity and natural harmony. By avoiding the use of synthetic chemicals and relying on natural preparations and composting, the winery ensures that its vines are grown in a way that preserves the health of the soil and the surrounding ecosystem. These practices result in grapes that are not only healthier but also more expressive of the vineyard's unique terroir.
The winery’s approach to winemaking is deeply rooted in tradition, with a focus on minimal intervention to allow the grapes’ natural qualities to shine through. The grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness and vinified using natural yeasts to preserve the purity of the fruit. For red wines, Pinot Noir grapes undergo gentle extraction techniques during fermentation to ensure that the wines maintain their elegance, finesse, and balanced tannin structure. Chardonnay, on the other hand, is often aged in French oak barrels, which imparts subtle complexity and richness without overpowering the wine’s bright acidity and mineral-driven profile. The result is a portfolio of wines that are not only delicious but also age-worthy, capable of developing greater depth and nuance over time.
Clos du Moulin aux Moines’ commitment to sustainability and quality has earned it a reputation as a leader in the Burgundy wine community. The winery's wines consistently receive high praise from critics and wine enthusiasts alike for their precision, complexity, and balance. Whether it's the powerful yet refined Pinot Noirs from Pommard or the beautifully textured Chardonnays from Meursault, each wine tells the story of its place of origin and the care with which it was made.
The“Monopoles”
The estate has, among others, three plots that are qualified as monopoles. In Burgundy, a monopole is a plot named after a climat (a specific place or lieu-dit) belonging to a single owner.
The “Clos de la Perrière” is located in the heart of the village of Corpeau, south of Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet. The terroir is a sandy-silty limestone, and with its southern exposure, produces early ripening. The 3 hectares that constitute the Clos are surrounded by an old stone wall protecting Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Aligoté. The wines from the monopole are classified appellation “Bourgogne”.
The Clos du Moulin aux Moines is the estate’s emblematic plot, 3 hectares planted with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the appellation Auxey-Duresses. Protected by a long, high stone wall, it is situated at the bottom of a hill and bordered below by a stream known as the Cloux. The soil is composed of red clay and limestone, and has been tilled with the help of draught horses since 2018.
The Clos Orgelot is a Pommard Premier Cru appellation. It is named after a former owner. This monopole of a little over one hectare was mentioned among the “most renowned cantons in Pommard”, in Doctor Denis Morelot’s “bible,” published in 1831. This famous plot is located above Les Épenots, between Les Pézerolles and the Clos des Mouches. The soil is composed of a wide diversity of red clays and limestone clays.
