History and Terroir

Originally founded in 1858, Charles Lachaux, spearheads today the Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux (previously Domaine Robert-Arnoux). The sixth-generation winemaker, brings a refreshing approach to viticulture and vinification. The estate still very much remains a family affair, with his mother, Florence, at the helm of all administration and allocation processes. In addition to farming organically, Charles has become a leader in biodynamic farming in Burgundy, while also implementing a restrained use of oak and a hands-off mentality in the cellar. He also allows his vine shoots to grow to soaring lengths – a technique most obviously inspired by the renowned Lalou Bize-Leroy.

Farming and Winemaking

The Arnoux-Lachaux estate comprises 14+ hectares spread across 15 terroirs, encompassing village-level, premier, and grand cru designations, with prime plots in Burgundy’s famed Vosne-Romanée, Clos de Vougeot, Nuits-Saint-Georges & Echézeaux. Charles uses a sensory-driven approach versus a methodical one. Rather than hedging his vines to look prim and proper, he allows grass to grow freely and prunes using the Guyot Poussard method, which honors the vines’ sap flow and leads to healthier plants and therefore, better quality fruit. Wines are produced using generous amounts of whole clusters and are vinified based on taste, not with a recipe. The result of such intuitive winemaking is that the Arnoux-Lachaux wines speak of the unique terroirs from which they come – and the proof is in the juice.