Henri Germain

Henri Germain accounts into the most respected domaines in Côte de Beaune for many connoisseurs. A range of factors has made Henri Germain a domaine highly praised among Burgundian growers and Burgundian lovers. They remain one of the few domaines today left in Burgundy crafting top notch wines under the radar.

The fact that it is this way could be explained by that Jean-Francois Germain is a modest, humble and quiet vigneron He does not promote his wines actively and does not give away samples to press or journalists. Other factors that are that this domaine does not possess any Grand Cru holdings and from the tiny production the quantities shipped out of France are minuscule.

Located in the centre of Meursault, Henri Germain holds 7 hectares of vineyards. Five of which are located in Meursault (divided amongst some fantastic Village vineyards and Premier Crus Charmes, Poruzots, Les Perrières, Genevrières, Chevalières), 1 in Beaune (Premier Cru Bressandes) and 1 hectare in Chassagne-Montrachet (Premier Cru Morgeot). Chardonnay accounts for the majority by far but Pinot Noir is also, beside in Beaune, planted in both Meursault and Chassagne-Montrachet. 

Since the establishment of the Domaine in 1973 their vineyards have never seen herbicides and even if they are not organic certified the viticulture and cellar work is utterly sensible. The cellar at Henri Germain may count among the colder in Meursault, letting the wines ferment in an extremely slow pace, in many occasions stretching until next years vintage.  The wines are hardly touched during the long ageing here: wild fermentations, no battonage, no racking until bottling and very little new oak – usually around 20-30 %.

The end goal is to craft outstanding classic wines with clear purity, concentration and finesse. Which when you try the wines is evident that they succeed with. Henri Germain et Fils is without a doubt one of the finest addresses in Côte de Beaune.