Domaine Louis Chenu embodies a rich heritage and dedication to the art of winemaking in Burgundy. This family-owned estate, nestled in the heart of Savigny-les-Beaune, has been a cornerstone of the region's winemaking tradition for five generations.
The journey began in 1914 when Louis Chenu, the great-great-grandfather of the current owners, purchased the estate's first parcels of land. This pivotal moment laid the foundation for a legacy that has flourished through decades of commitment and passion. Today, his great-grandson, Louis Chenu, continues the family tradition with the invaluable support of his wife and daughters, Juliette and Caroline.
Juliette and Caroline Chenu, the fifth generation to steward the estate, are deeply immersed in every aspect of winemaking. Their hands-on approach ensures that each bottle reflects the family's dedication to quality and tradition. The sisters manage the vineyard and cellar operations themselves, overseeing tasks such as pruning, treatments, green harvesting, and the meticulous processes of racking, topping up, and fining.
Their philosophy centers on producing wines that are both delicate and expressive. For the reds, which include Bourgogne Aligoté to Savigny Premier Crus, the Chenu sisters focus on a restrained extraction method. All grapes are destemmed, undergo a short maceration period of less than two weeks, and ferment naturally at low temperatures. After at least 18 months of aging, the reds are bottled unfiltered whenever possible. The whites are pressed immediately after harvest, fermented, and aged in barrels before being filtered and bottled after one year.
The estate covers 9.5 hectares of varied soils, including sand, marl, calcareous clay, limestone, and volcanic subsoil. The vineyards are organically managed, a commitment upheld since 2006, ensuring that the wines reflect the purest expression of their terroir. The estate cultivates a range of grapes, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Aligoté.
In recognition of their outstanding work, Juliette and Caroline Chenu were featured in a New York Times article highlighting why Savigny-les-Beaune is considered one of the most exciting Burgundy regions today. Their dedication to preserving the family's winemaking heritage while embracing modern practices has solidified Domaine Louis Chenu's reputation as a leading producer in the region.
At Domaine Louis Chenu, wine is more than just a product—it's a cherished part of the family story. Visitors to the cellars are welcomed with warmth and genuine hospitality, reflecting the Chenu family's deep respect for both their craft and their guests.
