Domaine G Roumier

Desirable holdings include a slither of Les Musigny, 1.6 ha of Bonnes-Mares, 0.4 ha of Chambolle-Musigny Les Amoureuses and a 2.6 ha wholly owned monopole in Morey-St-Denis called Clos de la Bussière. Christophe and Delphine Roumier, brother and sister, are the grandchildren of Georges Roumier who took the reins of his wife’s family domaine in 1924. Christophe’s first vintage in sole charge was 1984 and since then he has become one of the most admired winemakers of his generation. Articulate and informative, the visit with Christophe Roumier is always one of the most interesting in getting a handle on the vintage, and one of the most enjoyable for tasting the epitome of raspberry-scented Chambolle wines. To the question “What is a good wine?” he replies: “It’s a wine that is elegant, lively and perfumed. It shouldn’t be too woody and, above all, not ‘technical’.” To this end the amount of new wood varies from only 10% on the premier crus to 35% on the grand crus; letting nature express itself is his overriding philosophy! On the fashionable subject of whole bunch fermentation, Christophe believes 50% is ideal, and no more, and that would only be in a very ripe vintage. He tends to include the stalks from the older vines, removing those of the younger vines. “I don’t have a formula, I just look at the grapes,” he says.