Meeting our winemakers – Dominique Gruhier in Burgundy

Les Grappes Oenotourisme meets Dominique Gruhier, a winemaker in Epineuil, Burgundy

• Can you tell us about your estate, Domaine Dominique Gruhier?

Dominique Gruhier: We are in Burgundy , in the Yonne region, and more specifically in the Tonnerrois area. Our estate covers 27 hectares around a superb "Cistercian grange" (outbuilding of the Abbey) founded in 1212. We produce wines from organic farming, currently undergoing certification under the AOC Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru, Bourgogne Tonnerre, Bourgogne Epineuil and Crémant de Bourgogne.

• Your estate is located in the Tonnerois region, what are the characteristics of this region and the particularities of your wines within the Tonnerois?

DG: Indeed, the Tonnerre region has its own unique characteristics. The vines are rooted in Jurassic geological layers, which impart a distinctive minerality to the wines, while the clay soils contribute a lovely roundness. Tonnerre's white wines are both fresh and luscious, with exotic and floral aromas. Epineuil's red wines are refined, fruity, yet with characteristic notes of subtle smoky spices and floral aromas. They are very easy to drink.

"My childhood smelled pleasantly of cellars and the dregs of bottles."

• How did you become a winemaker?

DG: My maternal grandfather was a wine merchant in the Côte d'Or, as were two of my uncles. Suffice it to say, my childhood was filled with the aromas of wine cellars and the dregs of bottles. After studying mechanical engineering, I wanted to learn more about this profession, and it was a revelation. After obtaining my BTS (Advanced Vocational Diploma), I had the opportunity to settle with my father in Epineuil, where we have lived ever since.

• What has wine taught you in life?

DG: Humility, patience, detachment, the pleasure of sharing, but also the delicate coexistence between culture and nature.

• A winemaker who inspires you?

DG: More like winemakers: Sylvain Pataille for his uncompromising dedication and delicious wines, Lalou Bize-Leroy for her bold and totally innovative approach, Thomas Picot for his mastery of minerality, and so many others. And all those who make wines that resonate…

• Your vision of wine in three words?

DG: Pleasure, surprise, conviviality.

• What is your favorite food and wine pairing?

DG: Cheese and wine without hesitation.

• What is your favorite wine?

DG: There isn't one in particular, but rather a family, which is that of red Burgundies.

Our favorite wines from the estate:

Bourgogne Epineuil Rosé Capucine 2017

Crémants Bourgogne 2016

Burgundy Epineuil Cote de Grisey 2017

"Meeting and exchange"

• You offer many wine discovery activities at your estate. What are these wine tourism offerings?

DG: Visit and tasting, introduction to wine tasting, winemaker for a day (discovery of the profession), cooking classes…

• What do you appreciate most about hosting enthusiasts directly at your home on your estate (via Lesgrappes.com)?

DG: The meeting and the exchange.

• The final word is yours…

DG: Health, happiness!

Passing through the Chablis and Tonnerre region? Don't hesitate to come and taste Dominique Gruhier's wines by booking your visit to the estate directly on the Domaine Dominique Gruhier page on Les Grappes Oenotourisme.