Arlot Estate

Over the years, Domaine de l’Arlot has established itself as one of the leading estates of the Côte de Nuits. Cultivating the vines organically and crafting wines that express their terroir of origin. This vision, which respects nature to reveal the true character of great terroirs, defines the philosophy of Domaine de l’Arlot. A proactive approach that demands fully committed choices, from vinification to ageing. A long-term vision that demands attention to detail and a determination to showcase the exceptional.

From organic farming to biodynamics

Having practised organic viticulture since 2000 and achieved AB certification in 2014, the Domaine de l’Arlot adopted biodynamic methods in 2003. These practices are now applied across all the vineyards. The aim is to shift our perspective on vine cultivation by applying traditional methods based on rhythms, observation and intuition. By abandoning chemical fertilisers and synthetic products, life can begin anew. The vine is at the heart of a natural balance. It thrives in an environment that allows it to produce grapes imbued with the flavour and characteristics unique to the plot. The results are clear: this is the best way to express the true character of the terroirs.

Spontaneous fermentation

Intervening judiciously and as little as possible in the wine-making process is the guiding principle behind the production of wines at Domaine de l’Arlot. At harvest time, the bunches are picked by hand, and the grapes are sorted twice – in the vineyard and on arrival at the winery – to ensure only the very best of the harvest is retained. Once the grapes are in the vats, fermentation begins naturally, and everything proceeds according to instinct. Red wine production includes a proportion of whole bunches where the vintage permits, which contributes to the wines’ elegance. Allowing the terroirs to express themselves and extracting gently is the method adopted during maceration. Punching down is done by hand and the number of pump-overs is always kept to a minimum.

A farm under supervision

The desire to express the true character of the terroirs also requires a meticulous approach to ageing. The red wines are placed in barrels once vinification is complete, whilst for the whites, barrel ageing begins before alcoholic fermentation. The wood selected comes from French oak forests, and the toasting levels—ranging from very light to light—are designed to preserve the wine’s flavour during the ageing phase, during which malolactic fermentation takes place spontaneously and in step with the seasons.
This phase of slow maturation involves meticulous control and monitoring of every detail, with tasting playing a key role in determining the optimal moment to bottle the wines.

History of the Arlot Estate

Located 2 km south of Nuits-Saint-Georges, in Premeaux-Prissey, the Domaine de l’Arlot reflects the history and enduring legacy of an ancient Burgundian estate in the Côte de Nuits.

Historical records mention Jean-Charles Vienot, heir to a long line of Burgundians, as the owner of a house and vineyards in the village of Prémeaux in the late 18th century. An enterprising man, he had walls built around the estate, thus creating the Clos de l’Arlot, now classified as a Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru.

In 1891, the property was sold to a wine merchant, Jules Belin, who expanded the estate with the purchase of the Clos des Forêts Saint-Georges and the Clos du Chapeau, a combination that would form the Domaine de l’Arlot. His heirs sold the buildings and vineyards to AXA Millésimes nearly a century later, in early 1987. Since then, AXA Millésimes has acquired two vineyard plots in Vosne-Romanée: Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru – Les Suchots and Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru.

A fabulous park

François Vienot, Jean-Charles’s son, had dreamed of creating a unique park in the hollow of a former quarry. Today, century-old trees, light filtered through the foliage, and stones sculpted by numerous artists at the request of Jules Belin combine to form a dramatic and enchanting setting that stands in stark contrast to the orderly rows of vines.

Key figures in the history of the Arlot estate

The estate’s recent history remains marked by the presence of Jean-Pierre de Smet, who managed the estate for nearly two decades. In January 2007, he handed over management to Christian Seely, who entrusted the technical direction first to Olivier Leriche, then to Jacques Devauges from August 2011, and to Géraldine Godot from September 2014.

Géraldine Godot is a microbiologist and oenologist. A native of Burgundy, she completed her studies and spent much of her professional career in the region.

A few photos of the Arlot estate

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In accordance with the Public Health Code, wines, sweet wines and beers have an alcohol content of between 3% and 18%