The Domaine de Cromey Vineyard and Domaine Ami Collaboration
Domaine de Cromey Vineyard Grows The Grapes Domaine Ami Makes The Wine
Did you know that Domaine de Cromey has a seven-acre vineyard of its own, the Clos de Chateau, now producing wines in partnership with an exciting pair of winegrowers known as Domaine Ami? They have developed an impressive reputation for innovative, quality winemaking in the Maranges Valley, very close to where Domaine de Cromey nestles in the rolling Burgundy countryside.
Domaine Ami, (Ami being the French word for ‘friend’ of course), is the brainchild of Sommelier Paul Marchand-Perarnau, and oenologist Willy Roulendes. Their organic and biodynamic methods give magnificently appetising wines, each with their own special character — the trademark of all of the wines found on BurgundyWine.com by Elden Selections. You can learn more about Paul, Willy, and Domaine AMI here.
In September 2023, we celebrated the second harvest at Domaine de Cromey vineyards. This year includes Pinot Noir Bourgogne Rouge 'Le Clos' Monopole, as well as the Bourgogne Blanc 'Le Clos'. It’s all natural, too; biodynamic production in a vineyard that has never been treated with chemical fertilisers or pesticides.
Couchois – Cromey’s Appellation
South-west of Cromey lies the town of Couches, with its fascinating historic castle. Cromey sits within the Couches commune, in the arrondissement of Autun, and so we feel a particular attachment to the wines of this region. Indeed, our very own vineyard in the grounds of Cromey is within this up-and-coming appellation. Six communes produce Couchois appellation wines which, although not as well-known as some of their neighbours, surely should be famous. We look forward to helping this fascinating appellation on its journey to greatness...
Our Tasting Room Next To The Cromey Vineyard
We take great pleasure in knowing that people are again tasting wine in this great building after 400 years. The original construction of our special tasting room has been meticulously preserved with modern updates added to allow for fun days of wine tasting and all that goes with that. Simply take the short walk across from the tasting room to the main dining room at Cromey and you’ll immediately see and feel the imposing presence of a wine press dating from the early part of the 19th century.
It’s true what they say about tasting wine on the ground it was made from and aged under; there’s something captured in the spirit of Burgundy wine in Burgundy that you just can’t replicate anywhere else, especially when it’s paired with Burgundian food. Many of our customers come here to make their own physical connection between the Elden wines they’ve enjoyed at home and the place they originate from. We offer both face-to-face and virtual tastings from time to time with our producers, so look out for details of those.
Domaine Ami produces biodynamic and organic wine. For those not familiar with these terms, here’s some background information.
Biodynamics has been described as the world’s oldest system of organic growing, promoting a uniquely holistic approach to organic agriculture, gardening, food and health. Growers using this method keep as ‘in tune’ with nature as they possibly can in a variety of ways. They take notice of the influence of the sun and even the moon on the four earthly elements (earth, air, fire and water), which are believed to hold everything in harmony – with the winegrower’s biodynamic interventions aiding this natural balance. But biodynamics is about more than just principles or rules – it is a deeper understanding of your land, your identity and your vines that underpins everything, and a respect for whatever you take from, or put into, the ground. The practice also uses an astronomical calendar to ensure sowing and planting is done at the optimum time. Not everyone adheres to this belief in lunar calendars, but as with so many things in the world of wine, how something feels and the historical traditions which are passed down through generations, can count for a lot.
Organic is a term that is a bit less specific, but the basics are that organic wine must be made using organic ingredients and organic techniques - in other words, no pesticides, fungicides, synthetic fertilizers, and no fancy processes like reverse osmosis or deacidification either. In Europe, sulfites can be added – they’re natural preservatives – but only in minute amounts. It’s not always easy to make wine the organic way, and it can be hard to become certified. But those producers who have succeeded know the value of simple, authentic products, as nature intended.
Other biodynamic producers Elden works with include Jean-Claude Rateau. He’s been making wines this way for 40 years, nurturing the natural brown limestone soils throughout all the seasons of the year, and using minimal sulfur to produce great wines. Similarly, Eric de Suremain who works over in Monthélie, is a fan of the biodynamic method too. Certified organic since 2000, biodynamics underpin all his wines, and he describes his role as being akin to that of an orchestra conductor – keeping nature in tune with his vines. Another who understands it is Pascal Marchand; he sees the universe in a vineyard. Winemakers like him, who strive to keep their vineyards in balance reap benefits - both ‘bio’ and ‘dynamic’ - far beyond the value of their labor.
Why not Book your Burgundy getaway now? We’d love to welcome you and your loved ones into the heart of Burgundy for the trip of a lifetime. There are so many things to do from here, places to see, and people to meet. Stroll through our vineyards, taste the wine we make with Domain Ami, and enjoy life to its fullest.
