Why it matters
The producer
Grand cru is Burgundy's highest vineyard classification. Domaine Taupenot-Merme includes Charmes-Chambertin, Mazoyères-Chambertin and a small portion of Clos des Lambrays among its grand cru parcels. The domaine also produces Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru Bel Air, a premier cru red from the Côte de Nuits.
Romain and his sister Virginie represent the ninth generation to lead the family estate. The range moves from broader appellation wines through premier cru bottles to grand cru sites, giving the family domaine several levels of Burgundy vineyard hierarchy within one estate.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Domaine Taupenot-Merme's vineyards extend across the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune. These two Burgundian subregions give the labels different village and vineyard addresses, from Morey-Saint-Denis and Saint-Romain to Gevrey-Chambertin, Nuits-Saint-Georges and Auxey-Duresses.
Village wines use a commune name, premier cru wines identify a classified vineyard below grand cru, and grand cru wines name Burgundy's highest vineyard tier. The Côte de Beaune side includes Auxey-Duresses and Corton Et Rognet Grand Cru, while the Côte de Nuits range includes Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru Bel Air and Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru Les Pruliers.
In the cellar
Vineyards and cellar
Organic viticulture removes synthetic chemicals from the estate's vineyard work. In the cellar, vinification involves minimal intervention, with indigenous yeasts used for fermentation and French oak barrels selected according to each cuvée.
Indigenous yeasts are naturally present on grapes and in the cellar, allowing fermentation to begin without an added commercial culture. French oak ageing gives wine gradual oxygen exposure and can add texture and spice, while tailoring the barrels to each cuvée keeps the cellar method linked to the individual wine.
Wines to know
The range in view
The range moves through several Burgundy levels. Bourgogne Passetoutgrain provides a regional red, while Morey-Saint-Denis and Saint-Roman Rouge carry village names. Premier cru bottles include Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru Bel Air, Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru Les Pruliers, Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru La Riotte and Auxey-Duresses Premier Cru.
The grand cru tier includes Charmes-Chambertin, Mazoyères-Chambertin, Clos des Lambrays and Corton Et Rognet. Charmes-Chambertin is 100% Pinot Noir. The bottles therefore range from broad regional and village addresses to named premier cru vineyards and grand cru parcels.