The Human Factor: Domaines vs. Négociants

Domaines

Family operations that grow grapes and make wine from their own vineyards: - Complete control from vine to bottle - Limited production based on holdings - Quality varies with family skill and philosophy - Best express individual terroir

Rising Stars: - Domaine Bizot: Jean-Yves Bizot in Vosne-Romanée, minimal intervention - Chantereves: Tomoko Kuriyama, first Japanese woman winemaker in Burgundy - Domaine des Croix: David Croix in Beaune, young generation excellence

Négociants

Merchants who buy grapes or wine to blend and bottle: - Historically dominated Burgundy trade - Quality depends on sources and contracts - Some now own vineyards too - Can offer consistency across vintages

Quality Leaders: - Maison Louis Jadot: Extensive holdings, reliable quality - Olivier Leflaive: White wine specialist - Dominique Laurent: Small négociant, old-vine focus