Domaine Georges Lignier
THE DOMAINE
Domaine Georges Lignier owns some of the most privileged Grand Cru sites in Burgundy with significant holdings in Clos de la Roche, Clos St Denis and Bonnes Mares. Based in the village of Morey St Denis, the domaine now covers 17 appellations over 16 hectares, distributed over 50 parcels of vines, planted principally with Pinot Noir. Today, it remained as a family-owned estate and managed by Benoit Stehly, the great grandson of Georges Lignier, who has been in charge since 2007.
THE PHILOSOPHY
- A Fresh Approach to Make Wine
Temperate has risen in Burgundy over the last decade, warm vintages are more often and Benoit therefore has made changes in the vineyards.
Benoit prefers to pick on freshness, retaining “classical” alcohol levels (between 13.2 – 13.6%) and terroir specificity, whilst avoiding what he believes is over-ripeness in the fruit flavours. Though others (most are the older generation) continue to pick on ripeness which governed by the general rule of picking 100 days after flowering.
Also, Benoit is unique in Morey in keeping a permanent grass cover in the vineyard forcing deeper root systems. It also serves to increase humidity and slow down the ripening, thus retaining freshness and protecting against the grapes overheated. It also protects against erosion and creates more biodiversity in the soils.
