New
75cl
Domaine de la Cras Bourgogne Rouge 2023
Vendor code : 1298
Marc Soyard was born and raised in the Jura, a wine region close to Burgundy. He takes a natural approach, intervening in the winemaking process only when absolutely necessary. No synthetic agents are used; the wines are vinified without added sulfites, and 80% of the wine is also aged without added sulfites. Marc Soyard's wines (Domaine de la Cras) possess a silkiness reminiscent of Vosne-Romanée. Like the wines of Bizot, Soyard's wines are designed to unlock their potential with age, yet they show freshness and vigor even at the barrel stage. Domaine de la Cras produces very limited, terroir-driven wines, truly infused with a sense of place. Domaine de la Cras Bourgogne Rouge 2023 is an expression of Burgundian terroir, crafted with precision and minimal intervention by Marc Soyard.
Fortress
11,5%
Color
Red
Country
France
Grape
Pinot Noir
Region
Burgundy
Vintage
2023
Producer
Domaine de la Cras
A proponent of the same organic farming methods and hands-off philosophy in the cellar, Marc Soyard has carried over to Domaine de la Cras what he learned at Domaine Bizot. Bursting with aromas of rowanberries, cherries, eucalyptus, and spice, the 2023 Bourgogne Coteaux de Dijon Rouge is a medium-bodied, fine-boned wine with a salty fruit core, melting tannins and a mineral finish. Vinified using only whole bunches and minimal sulfur dioxide, this is an expressive wine that is already hard to resist.
Domaine de la Cras, situated on a picturesque slope just northwest of Dijon, embodies the balance between innovation and tradition. Purchased by the city of Dijon in 2013, this 160-hectare estate includes 8 hectares of organically farmed vineyards. The land, originally planted with 5 hectares of Pinot Noir and 3 hectares of Chardonnay, is designated under the unique "Coteaux de Dijon" appellation, making Domaine de la Cras the only Burgundy estate permitted to use this label. Chosen through an open call for young, innovative winemakers, Marc Soyard became the custodian of Domaine de la Cras, bringing with him a rich background from Domaine Bizot in Vosne-Romanée. During his six-year tenure at Bizot, he worked closely with Jean-Yves Bizot, gaining expertise in organic vineyard management and minimal intervention winemaking techniques. This experience greatly influenced his philosophy, which focuses on allowing the terroir to shine through each bottle. With no family ties to winemaking and originally hailing from the Jura, Soyard’s unique perspective blends respect for traditional Burgundian practices with a fresh, dynamic approach. Marc Soyard’s stewardship of Domaine de la Cras is more than just a winemaking role; it’s a partnership with the city of Dijon. In exchange for using the land, Soyard pays "rent" by providing the city with a portion of his wine each year. This agreement also requires the estate to remain accessible to the public, allowing visitors to experience the winemaking process and understand the terroir. The estate’s openness to the public is rare in Burgundy, making it an educational hub as much as a vineyard. This unique arrangement allows Soyard to focus on sustainable practices without the pressure of large-scale commercial production. Under Soyard’s guidance, the vineyards are farmed using organic methods, with biodynamic principles introduced in 2016. While not officially certified, these practices emphasize sustainability, abstaining from synthetic chemicals and promoting biodiversity in the vineyard. Soyard uses natural yeasts in fermentation, and sulfur is added only in minimal, homeopathic doses to preserve the wine's purity. His vinification process involves whole-cluster fermentation for some reds, a method that enhances the freshness, energy, and aromatic complexity of the wines. Elevage, or aging, is carried out in a mix of new and used barrels, incorporating wood types such as chestnut and acacia, alongside traditional oak. This combination adds subtle layers to the wines, allowing the character of the grapes and soil to emerge. Domaine de la Cras produces two main cuvées, each offering a distinct expression of the terroir: the “Coteaux” wines, made from grapes grown on lower elevations, and the “Cras” cuvées from steeper, better-exposed parcels. The Pinot Noir vines, planted on the estate’s prime slopes, yield wines known for their finesse, elegance, and Vosne-Romanée-like silkiness. The Chardonnay, particularly in the “Cras” cuvée, showcases a complex minerality, structured by the limestone-rich soils and refined by Soyard’s restrained winemaking approach. The “Cras” cuvée stands out due to its unique provenance and meticulous vinification. It is aged for an extended period, allowing the wine to develop a fuller body and richer profile, reflecting Dijon’s terroir in a way rarely seen in Burgundy wines. This cuvée has earned high praise from critics, with Master of Wine Charles Curtis describing the wines as “impressive” and “elegant,” underscoring Soyard’s success in crafting wines that resonate with the refined yet powerful essence of Burgundy. Marc Soyard’s hands-off approach in winemaking reflects his commitment to allowing each vintage to tell its own story. He intervenes only when absolutely necessary, believing that the vines are most expressive when left to interact with their environment naturally. This approach, which he refined during his years at Domaine Bizot, involves minimal use of oenological products and encourages the natural evolution of flavors in the cellar. The result is a portfolio of wines that capture the freshness, purity, and complexity of Dijon’s terroir. Despite its proximity to Dijon, Domaine de la Cras remains a hidden gem in the broader landscape of Burgundy. The estate’s unique history, coupled with Soyard’s dedication to organic and biodynamic practices, positions it as a leader in sustainable winemaking. By focusing on the natural strengths of Dijon’s terroir, Soyard has created wines that not only honor Burgundy’s storied heritage but also push the boundaries of traditional winemaking. This innovative approach is redefining what it means to produce wine in Burgundy, highlighting the potential of lesser-known appellations like Coteaux de Dijon. Domaine de la Cras offers wine enthusiasts a chance to experience the essence of Burgundy from a fresh perspective, with wines that are as expressive and elegant as they are grounded in the land from which they come. Each bottle serves as a testament to Soyard’s vision, dedication, and skill in capturing the voice of a unique terroir, blending the old-world charm of Burgundy with a modern, ecological consciousness. In sum, Marc Soyard’s work at Domaine de la Cras is reshaping perceptions of Burgundy’s winemaking potential. Through his organic, hands-off approach, and the unique opportunity afforded by the city of Dijon, Soyard has created a wine estate that is both innovative and steeped in tradition. Domaine de la Cras not only showcases the versatility of Dijon’s terroir but also serves as a model for sustainable, community-oriented winemaking in Burgundy.
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