Domaine Laurent Roumier, nestled in the heart of Chambolle-Musigny, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Burgundy's legendary winemaking families. This esteemed domaine, founded by Laurent Roumier, carries the legacy of his grandfather, the iconic Georges Roumier, founder of Domaine Georges Roumier. While both domaines share a familial bond and a geographical proximity, they have forged distinct identities, each offering a unique expression of Chambolle-Musigny's terroir.
Laurent Roumier's journey began with the inheritance of vineyards from his grandfather's estate. He further expanded his holdings in the 1990s, acquiring parcels in the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits and additional vineyards in Chambolle-Musigny. This expansion, coupled with his own winemaking vision, set the stage for Domaine Laurent Roumier's unique identity.
While the domaine's history is interwoven with that of Domaine Georges Roumier, a strong familial bond exists between the two estates. Laurent's cousin, Christophe Roumier, manages Domaine Georges Roumier, and the shared heritage is reflected in their geographical proximity, with their cellars nestled close together in the heart of Chambolle-Musigny.
Despite the close ties, the two domaines have developed distinct winemaking philosophies and styles. Laurent Roumier's wines, while reflecting the elegance and finesse characteristic of Chambolle-Musigny, express a more approachable fruit-forward style. This modern twist is achieved through a slightly bolder approach to winemaking, utilising a higher percentage of new oak and a focus on precision during the winemaking process.
Laurent Roumier's cellar is a testament to his modern approach. The winery's relatively new facilities allow for efficient winemaking processes, including gravity-flow movement of wine into barrels after fermentation. This, combined with meticulous attention to detail at every stage, ensures that the terroir of Chambolle-Musigny is captured in its purest form.
Laurent Roumier practices traditional, responsible viticulture, eschewing fertilisers and herbicides. The grapes are harvested by hand and undergo a meticulous winemaking process:
De-stemming:
A key factor in achieving the wines' depth of colour and immediate accessibility.
Fermentation:
In concrete vats, with precise temperature control.
Barrel Aging:
50% new oak for grands and premiers crus, 30% new oak for villages, and 10% new oak for Bourgogne Hautes-Côte de Nuits.
Domaine Laurent Roumier stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Burgundy's legendary winemaking families, while embracing a modern perspective that reflects the ever-evolving world of wine. The domaine's wines, with their elegant fruit expression, precise structure, and captivating complexity, are a testament to the unique terroir of Chambolle-Musigny and the passion of its winemaker.
