Domaine Dujac

When thinking of the Côte de Nuits in Burgundy, France, it is nearly impossible to not dream of the excellent wines of Domaine Dujac. With a history dating back to the 1960s, this renowned estate has consistently produced wines that embody the essence of the region's terroir, showcasing the artistry and dedication of the Dujac family. Exploring the Domaines traditional methods combined with its dynamic spirit help shed light on the process behind creating one of Burgundys finest.

A Legacy Unveiled

Jacques Seysses, inspired by his father's passion for fine wines, transitioned into winemaking after working for the family biscuit company. In 1968, he purchased Domaine Graillet in Morey-Saint-Denis, from the Dujac Family, renaming it Domaine Dujac as a playful nod to the legacy of the land. Joined by his wife Rosalind in 1973, the couple laid the foundation for a new family legacy that would extend into the next generation.

The Seysses family's commitment to quality winemaking continues to be embodied by the next generation—Jeremy Seysses, who joined in 1998, and his wife Diana, who is also the winemaker for the Napa winery Snowden, followed by brother Alec in 2003. Together, they steer the estate's destiny with a focus on responsible vineyard techniques. The estate, which began with 5 hectares, has expanded strategically over the years, venturing further into iconic Burgundian terroir, such as Puligny-Montrachet in 2014, acquiring their famous Premier Crus Folatières and Combettes.

A Commitment to Quality

Domaine Dujac's philosophy revolves around the belief that the quality of wine begins in the vineyard. At the heart of Domaine Dujac's success is a profound respect for terroir—the unique combination of soil, climate, and vineyard location that imparts distinct characteristics to the grapes. The estate boasts an impressive array of vineyards across some of Burgundy's most esteemed appellations, including Grand Cru vineyards, Echezeaux, Chambertin, Gevrey-Chambertin, Clos de la Roche & Romanee Saint Vivant.

Domaine Dujac thrives on the essence of a family business, with a large team dedicated to vineyard care, winemaking, and the estate's overall well-being. Each plot is carefully tended to, and the winemakers at Dujac believe in minimal intervention, allowing the grapes to express themselves authentically. The estate employs their significant workforce to ensure meticulous attention to detail, especially during the crucial harvest season.

The Terroir That Shapes Dujac’s Reds

Domaine Dujac’s Pinot Noirs thrive under the most intricate craftsmanship, microclimates and especially – exceptional terroir. To truly appreciate the nuanced flavors and aromatic complexity of Domaine Dujac's red wines, one must understand the terroir of the esteemed Grand Crus – Charmes-Chambertin, Bonnes Mares, Clos de la Roche, Les Échezeaux, Clos Saint-Denis, Vosne Romanée 1er Cru Les Beaux Monts, and Vosne Romanée Malconsorts.

Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru

Situated between Morey-Saint-Denis and Gevrey-Chambertin, the Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru captivates with its east-southeast-facing lieu-dit. The terroir reveals a fascinating evolution from east to west, with stony, limestone-rich soil in the eastern part and crinoidal limestone fragments to the west. The terroir that shapes this Grand Cru adds a layer of complexity, resulting in wines with robust structure and a distinctive minerality.

Bonnes Mares Grand Cru

Lying between Morey-Saint-Denis and Chambolle-Musigny, the Bonnes Mares Grand Cru thrives on a steep hillside with an altitude ranging from 278 to 296 meters. The east-to-west soil transition presents reddish-brown soil in the east, rich in crinoidal limestone fragments, and light-colored, less stony soil with small oyster shells to the west. This complex terroir, layered with ocher limestone and marls, contributes to wines of finesse and depth.

Clos de la Roche Grand Cru

In the undulating landscape between Morey-Saint-Denis and Gevrey-Chambertin, the Clos de la Roche Grand Cru showcases a varied slope ranging from 4 to 23%. The eastern part features reddish-brown soil with angular limestone fragments, while the west boasts a steeper slope with limestone gravel. The juxtaposition of fine-grained Premeaux limestone and Comblanchien limestone fragments results in wines that balance finesse with a pronounced structure.

Les Échezeaux Grand Cru

Situated to the west and southwest of Clos de Vougeot, Les Échezeaux's steep slope is a canvas for intense winemaking. The southeast-facing lieu-dit, with its reddish-brown soil and limestone fragments, likely composed of Premeaux limestone, produces wines of aromatic intensity and complexity. This terroir showcases the mastery of Domaine Dujac in capturing the essence of its vineyards.

Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru

With a very steep slope of 13%, the Clos Saint-Denis Grand Cru lies between Morey-Saint-Denis and Gevrey-Chambertin. The east-to-west soil evolution reveals reddish-brown soil in the east with angular-to-rounded limestone fragments and a richer, gravel-laden soil to the west. The interplay of fine light-colored limestone and Comblanchien limestone scree contributes to wines of elegance and depth.

Vosne Romanée Les Beaux Monts and Les Malconsorts

Exploring the lieu-dits of Les Beaux Monts and Les Malconsorts, we discover steep slopes of 10% and 9%, respectively. Both terroirs, with their reddish-brown soil and limestone fragments, showcase the influence of Premeaux limestone. Les Beaux Monts faces east-southeast, while Les Malconsorts faces due east, creating wines that reflect the unique characteristics of each vineyard.

Domaine Dujac's red wines, all crafted from the Pinot Noir grape, are an ode to the rich tapestry of Burgundy's terroir. Each Grand Cru and lieu-dit tells a unique story, from the subtle minerality of Charmes-Chambertin to the finesse of Clos Saint-Denis.

Deep Dive Into The Legendary Puligny-Montrachet

Puligny-Montrachet, a revered appellation in Côte de Beaune, is a vital part of Domaine Dujac's portfolio. The limestone-rich soils, coupled with a continental climate, provide an ideal terroir for Chardonnay. Domaine Dujac's holdings in Puligny-Montrachet, including Premier Crus Les Folatières and Les Combettes, exemplify the subtle distinction, minerality, and firm structure characteristic of the region.

Domaine Dujac's Premier Crus Les Folatières (2.9 acres) epitomize the essence of Puligny-Montrachet. Situated on the westward slope with a southeast orientation, the brown-red soil is abundant in angular white limestone rocks. This terroir imparts a captivating expression to the wine, revealing a rich mineral influence that defines the expression of Puligny-Montrachet.

In contrast, Les Combettes (1.5 acres) represents the finesse of Puligny-Montrachet with elegance and structure. Positioned on a north slope with a southeast orientation, this parcel neighbors Meursault. The soil, rich in silt, sand, and clay, is adorned with light-colored limestone stones, creating a wine that harmoniously balances elegance and structure.

It is almost impossible to imagine that these are just two of the many different magnificent wines Domaine Dujac has to offer…

Winemaking Craftsmanship

The winemaking philosophy at Domaine Dujac revolves around balance, freshness, and a non-interventionist approach. The whole-bunch fermentation method, with minimal destemming, allows the authenticity of the grapes to shine through. Indigenous yeasts, careful elevage in oak barrels, and a meticulous focus on refining tannins contribute to the creation of wines that are elegant, supple, and reflective of their terroir.

The True Spirit Of Burgundy

Domaine Dujac's journey from its inception in 1968 to the present day is a tale of passion, commitment, and an unwavering dedication to the art of winemaking. From the historic sites of Morey-Saint-Denis to the newly acquired vineyards in Puligny-Montrachet, each bottle reflects the Seysses family's respect for terroir, sustainable practices, and the timeless pursuit of crafting wines that embody the true spirit of Burgundy.

Written by: Arabella Maislinger