Domaine Derain “La Combe”

Domaine Derain “La Combe”

Domaine Derain “La Combe”  is a fresh, precise example of Burgundian Chardonnay. Lemon zest, slightly honeyed and smoky aromas on the nose give way to a vibrant, zippy acidity upon tasting. Delicious minerality and freshness rather than weightiness shows, the taste is clean and mouthwatering with a long finish.

Biodynamically farmed from a single 0.5Ha parcel planted in 1983 by Dominique Derain on chalky-limestone soil. The grapes are pressed whole bunch, fermented and aged in old oak and aged on the fine lees for 18 months.

Domaine Derain

Domaine Derain is based in the Saint-Aubin region, just south of Beaune, and has a rich history of producing minimal intervention wines. The estate was founded by Dominique Derain in 1988 when he and his wife, Catherine, purchased 5.5 hectares. They immediately began practicing biodynamic farming and making their wines in a non-interventionist style, therefore allowing the natural characteristics of the land and grapes to shine through. These principles have been the foundation of the domaine, and they have remained committed to biodynamics and sustainability ever since.

The vineyards of Saint-Aubin are often overlooked in comparison to their famous neighbors, Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet, but they produce wines of exceptional quality. Domaine Derain’s wines are often considered hidden gems in Burgundy, which offer incredible value for those in the know. Over the years, Julien Altaber, worked closely with Dominique and Catherine. Julien’s passion for biodynamics and non-interventionist practices eventually led him to start his own domaine, Sextant.

In recent years, Dominique Derain retired, passing the torch to Julien and Carole, who now run the domaine. Julien, having already established his Sextant winery, took over the operations. The wines are certified biodynamic by Ecocert, a certification they have held since 1989. This traditional approach reflects the estate’s long-standing commitment to organic and sustainable practices.