Domaine Bernard de la Grange

Since the XI century the monks of Citeaux were established in Meursault and owned the vineyards where they produced white Mass wine. Nobody knows who built the buildings that are on the Domaine Bernard da la Grange which was once Domaine Lobot de la Barre. We do know however, that in the XV century a "Lobot", the private doctor of Duke Charles le Temeraire (Charles the Bold), was living there. These "Lobot" who had established themselves in Burgundy were, like the mother of the Duke, from Portugal.

The cellars, which already kept the wine of the Duke of Burgundy in the 15th century, have the distinction of being two stories (2 levels), a fairly rare type of architecture in Burgundy since there are only thirteen of them in existence.

In 1972 the Delagrange family of winemakers moved from Volnay to Meursault at which time their son Philippe and grandson Alban took over, assuring the continuation of their traditions of winemaking, as has been the custom in the family for many generations.

Today Domaine Bernard de la Grange owns 23 hectares (about 57 acres) spread over a distance of about 10 km among some of the best appellations like Volnay - Pommard - Beaune - Meursault - Auxey Duresses for the reds and St. Romain - Meursault - Auxey Duresses - Savigny-Les Beaune for the whites.

The wines:
Beaune Les Bons Feuves - 7.2 acres
Beaune Boucherottes 1er Cru - .91 acre
Volnay Les Serpents - 1.6 acre
Volnay Taille Pieds 1er Cru - .77 acre


The Beaune vineyards are almost all located on the hillside and thus achieve a high percentage of premier crus in the classification of the climats (there are 39 premier crus in the 322 hectares of the Appellation). The Village A.O.C.s cover 128 ha. on the higher and lower parts of the slope.

Other Appellations are produced in Beaune : Some regional A.O.C.s from 52 ha. of the 150 ha. of the Cote de Beaune (not to be confused with the A.O.C.) Cote de Beaune-Villages. The slopes are east-south-east facing with brown chalky soil mixed irregularly with clay and sand.

Beaune produces essentially red wines: 8000 hl of Premiers Crus / 3500 hl of Village A.O.C. (communale) /185 hl of A.O.C. Cote de Beaune.

The red wines which come from the center and southern parts of the Beaune area are tannic and powerful : their color is generally quite dark and they give out aromas both fruity (fruit berries) and "animal" at the same time. The wines coming from the North have a less intense color and are blessed with a fine suppleness.

Volnay
Previously the residence of the Dukes of Burgundy AOC, the site of Volnay is one of the most typical villages of the Cote de Beaune. Centered half way up the slopes, the Premier Crus surrounding the village benefit from the ideal aspect. At altitudes of between 200 and 300 meters, the Volnay hillside provides iron rich limestone covered by red-brown silt. The slope gives good drainage and the high proportion of stones gives permeability while the clay ensures the necessary richness of available minerals. This small picturesque village has kept its traditional character, the inhabitants maintaining tradition and solidarity while conserving and respecting the very ancient brotherhood of Saint-Cyr.

Volnay produces a Village Appellation and its Premier Crus (there are 34 named localities). Volnay is exclusively red, with a production of less than a million bottles a year, the wines are marketed by the wine growers themselves and the great wine merchants of Burgundy.

Annual production figures : 4,000 hectoliters of AOC Volnay (Village) are produced from 100 hectares 3,500 hl. of AOC Premier Cru are produced from 115 hectares - but this does not include the 29 hectares of vines in the neighboring village of Meursault giving the Appellation "Les Santenots" - a Volnay Premier Cru when planted in Pinot Noir.

Bernard Delagrange Burgundy


Beaune - Les Bons Feuves
Made from 100% Pinot Noir, this wine has a dark ruby color. The aroma is very floral with notes of under woods violets. It is very generous in the mouth, well balanced with velvety soft tannins and lingering flavors. Drinkable now but can also be kept for many years. Great with roasted meat, fowl, small game and cheeses.




Beaune Boucherottes 1er Cru
Made form 100% Pinot Noir this wine has a beautiful garnet robe with deep ruby reflections and a bouquet of cooked red fruits that evolves towards nuances of coffee and liquorice. It is full-bodied with well-integrated tannins and a long finish. Can be kept for many years or can be enjoyed now with grilled meats, game, stews and cheeses.




Volnay - Les Serpents
Made from 100% Pinot Noir this wine has a deep, dark red color with purple reflections. The aroma is reminiscent of cooked red cherries, while the taste is elegantly full, well balanced, supple and velvety. A great match to pates, brochettes, duck, veal, mushrooms, small game and cheeses.




Volnay Taille Pieds 1er Cru
Made from 100% Pinot Noir this wine has a deep garnet color. The aroma expresses notes of mature fruits like prunes, blackberries and black currants. It is a noble wine with grand structure and velvety tannins; a wine with a beautiful future that can be enjoyed now with red meat, big game and cheeses.