Raised in Gevrey-Chambertin, Jean-Marie was immersed in the art of winemaking from an early age, thanks to his family’s deep roots in winemaking. After a degree in oenology from the University of Dijon, he went on to refine his craft through apprenticeships at wineries in Burgundy, California and Australia – shaping him into the exceptional winemaker he is today.
It is all about letting Burgundy’s unique terroir take center stage. His philosophy is rooted in minimal intervention—he believes in letting the grapes do the talking. By practicing sustainable viticulture, he nurtures the land and ensures a thriving ecosystem, creating wines that are as close to nature as possible.
At Domaine Fourrier, Jean-Marie tends to small, family-owned vineyards, including prized Premier and Grand Cru plots. He embraces organic farming and is gradually incorporating biodynamic methods. His dedication to sustainability ensures that each vineyard produces grapes bursting with character, truly reflecting their origins.
He strikes a delicate balance between honouring tradition and embracing innovation. During fermentation, he uses gentle extraction techniques, combining whole cluster and destemmed fruit for added complexity. His wines are then aged in carefully selected French oak barrels, blending new and used wood to complement, not overpower, the wine’s natural essence.
Domaine Fourrier wines are known for their elegance, vibrancy, and depth. His Gevrey-Chambertin and Chambertin Clos de Bèze are standout creations, showcasing the region’s classic finesse. With their vibrant fruit flavors and smooth tannins, these wines age beautifully and are highly prized by critics and collectors alike.
Small Batches, Big Impact: Specializes in small-batch wines, allowing for meticulous attention to every detail. This makes his bottles highly sought after.
Whole Cluster Magic: Often employs whole cluster fermentation, a technique that brings a touch of spice and complexity to his wines.
Old Vines, Rich Flavor: Many of his vineyards are home to vines over 50 years old, resulting in grapes with intense flavors and depth.
Natural Fermentation: Uses natural yeasts to spontaneously ferment his wines, capturing the unique character of each terroir.
Pushing Boundaries: Always curious, he experiments with aging vessels like clay amphorae, exploring new textures and flavors.
Early Passion: Jean-Marie’s journey into winemaking began early—he was just 15 when he rolled up his sleeves to help in his family’s vineyards. Those formative years sparked a passion that would define his life. mm
Worldly Experience: Before carving out his own legacy, Jean-Marie worked in wineries across California and Australia. These globetrotting adventures broadened his perspective and introduced him to diverse winemaking methods.
Meticulous Craftsmanship: From the vine to the bottle, Jean-Marie’s hands-on dedication ensures quality every step of the way. His personal attention to detail is a hallmark of his approach.
Master of Pairings: One of his passion is collaborating with local chefs; crafting perfect wine and food pairings that showcase his wines’ versatility and enhance the tasting experience.
Collector’s Gem: Produced in limited quantities and revered for their exceptional quality, Jean-Marie’s wines are a favourite among collectors, often fetching impressive prices at auctions.
Champion of Education: He is committed to nurturing future winemakers and through workshops and tastings, he shares his expertise, inspiring the next generation of vintners.
