The story of Didier Montchovet is one of dedication and passion. In 1984, the young visionary decided to pursue an organic/biodynamic approach to farming- which was not a popular idea at the time in Burgundy. Without the support of his family, he started off on his own, first leasing about an acre of vines. The process began slowly. Didier acquired another 6 acres (2.5 hectares) in ’89 and officially released his first vintage for sale in 1990. He became the first Demeter certified winery in Burgundy in 1993.
Over the years Didier has continued to grow with the utmost concern for the land, adding two larger plots to his Domaine from the communes of Bouze-les-Beaune and Nantoux. With one glance at the vineyards it’s easy to see he follows a different path, as more than half of his vines are planted in a ‘Y’ shaped, Lyre trellis system. Didier believes there are many benefits to this method including better air circulation for the grapes preventing disease, better exposure for the soil to plant grasses and cereals increasing biodiversity, and the added benefit of grapes growing higher off the ground making it easier for the workers to pick standing up. Even the organic fertilizer (manure) is all produced on the property from their livestock, minimizing the carbon footprint of the winery. In the cellar he maximizes the use of gravity so pumps aren’t utilized at any step in the winemaking process. He also uses a system to recuperate rainwater, conserving the vital resource throughout the year. This commitment to high standards in the vineyard is expressed in each bottle released from Domaine Didier Montchovet.
- Crémant de Bourgogne
- Aligoté
- Bourgogne Blanc
- Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru
- Coteaux Bourguignons
- Bourgogne Rouge
- Hautes Côtes de Beaune
- Volnay