Why it matters
The producer
Cyprien Arlaud says, “It's hard to get good grapes from vines planted on a cement highway.” Domaine Arlaud is based in Morey-Saint-Denis, Burgundy, and its reputation has been steadily rising as the wines become known for being attractive and consistent.
The domaine was founded in 1942 after Renée Amiot, a Burgundian, married Joseph Arlaud from Ardèche. Hervé Arlaud succeeded his father in 1983 and continued expanding the vineyard. In 2013, Cyprien Arlaud took sole responsibility for the family estate.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Domaine Arlaud is based in Morey-Saint-Denis, Burgundy. The family estate brings together 19 appellations, including four Grand Crus. An appellation is a regulated geographic name, while Grand Cru identifies a top vineyard classification in Burgundy. The range therefore moves from broader appellation names to wines carrying a Grand Cru designation.
Wines to know
The range in view
The range includes Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru and Clos de la Roche Grand Cru. Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru is 100% Pinot Noir. Clos de la Roche Grand Cru is also 100% Pinot Noir and is bottled unfined and unfiltered. Fining and filtration clarify wine before bottling, so leaving them out preserves the wine in its unclarified form.
Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2021 shows a mixture of red and black fruit, iodine and iris flower scents. Clos de la Roche Grand Cru brings ripe plum and black cherry aromas, followed by eucalyptus, earth and leather notes.