Domaine Georges Lignier & Fils

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Country of Origin: France
Location: Morey-Saint-Denis, Côte de Nuits
People: Benoit Stehly, Owner & Winemaker
Viticulture: Practicing Organic

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Georges Lignier is a cousin of Hubert, and while the two estates are clearly separate operations, they do share some of the greatest vineyards in and around Morey-Saint-Denis. That may be where the similarities end, as the delicate, subtle and seductive qualities of Domaine Georges Lignier & Fils are a fascinating contrast to the more intense and structured wines of Hubert Lignier.

The domaine is led by Georges Lignier's nephew Benoit Stehly, who worked at the domaine for a decade alongside his uncle before taking the helm in both the vineyard and the cellar in 2008. His approach is very traditional as he seeks to achieve maximum aromatic concentration above nearly all other characteristics including structural or color concentration. To achieve this, techniques such as a slightly later harvest and 80% destemming are employed. At the Villages level, the wines are raised in older barrels, while the 1er Crus see 30% new oak, and the Grand Crus 50% new oak. All wines are neither fined nor filtered. A vein of seductive elegance runs throughout the full range of wines, inviting a complex and beautiful conversation with each glass.

When it comes to the vineyard holdings, the depth of appellations in both the Premier and Grand Crus is astounding. As of 2024, the domaine counts sixteen hectares encompassing 50 parcels across 17 appellations in both white and red. These are generally not single rows of rare plots, but substantial parcels within some of the most renowned sites in the Côte d’Or. For example, the estate is the largest proprietor of the Grand Cru Clos Saint-Denis, at 1.49 hectares, and controls over a hectare of the Clos de la Roche Grand Cru. Principles of lutte raisonnée (sensible combat) are followed. No herbicide is used, plowing occurs only when necessary, and grass grows between the rows to push the vine's root system deeper into the bedrock.

Media Links:
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