Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur

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Country of Origin: France
Location: Volnay, Côte de Beaune
People: Vincent & François Bitouzet, Owners & Winemakers
Viticulture: Practicing Organic

Items

Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur 2019 'Les Charmes' Meursault 1er Cru AOC Login AG (90-92) In Stock
Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur 2018 Volnay 1er Cru, Les Mitans, AOC Login — In Stock

A committed classicist, Vincent Bitouzet has produced thirty-years worth of structured, demanding and particularly age-worthy wines from the heart of the Côte de Beaune. Based in Volnay and blessed with extensive holdings in Meursault as well, this domaine is a tried and true standard bearer for all that is fundamentally good and sound in Burgundy: conscientious and sensitive work in the vineyards, respect above all for the specific character of each lieu-dit, patience and attention to detail in the cellar, and a commitment to producing wines of depth and, of critical importance, longevity.

Vincent Bitouzet’s ancestral roots in Burgundy cover at least the last two centuries. His great-great grandfather M. Gillotte arrived in Auxey Duresses in 1802 and was mayor of that village. In 1804, the Bitouzet line settled in Volnay. The Bitouzets were one of the first of the family domaines in this region to bottle their wines. Vincent’s grandfather had already garnered medals for his winemaking talents in 1860. Vincent’s wife, Annie Prieur, has equally distinguished antecedents. Her family (both Prieurs and Perronnets) was long established in Meursault and Ladoix. The resulting merger of the Bitouzet and Prieur family holdings has created a domaine of distinction and breadth. François Bitouzet, the only son of Vincent and Annie, is now the 6th generation to maintain the deep Burgundian roots of his ancestors.

Vincent and François Bitouzet rigorously tend their vineyards, practicing organic viticulture that includes “sexual confusion” to reduce insect infestations, the use of organic compost when necessary, no herbicides or pesticides, and severe limitations on the use of copper sulfate. Harvest is done manually. Classic Burgundian vinification is practiced at this traditional domaine and only indigenous yeasts are used.

Reviews

  • Bitouzet-Prieur 2019 'Les Charmes' Meursault 1er Cru AOC
    Vinous
    Rating: (90-92) (10/15/2020)

    From two parcels, one including the domaine's oldest vines planted in 1945, the 2019 Meursault Charmes 1er Cru was affected by frost. The quantity was so depleted that François Bitouzet blended the two parcels in Charmes-Dessus (top part) and Charmes-Dessous (bottom part) in the press for the first time. It has a well defined bouquet with pretty apple blossom, granite and light white chalky aromas. The palate is well balanced with good density and weight on the entry. There is a lot of concentration to this Charmes with an almost honeyed (both in taste and texture) finish that just shaves away some of its potential tension and precision. Still, I appreciate the spiciness on the finish, bit it is one that I think will show best in its youth. Nine barrels produced.