Domaine de l'Arlot

History of Domaine de l'Arlot

The history of Domaine de l'Arlot is deeply rooted in Burgundian wine heritage. At the end of the 18th century, Jean-Charles Vienot, heir to a long Burgundian lineage, laid the foundations of the estate by building a wall around his vines in Premeaux-Prissey, thus creating the Clos de l'Arlot, today classified as Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru. In 1891, the wine merchant Jules Belin expanded the property by acquiring the Clos des Forêts Saint-Georges and the Clos du Chapeau, consolidating the estate's foundations. Nearly a century later, in 1987, AXA Millésimes took the helm and enriched the vineyard with two prestigious plots: Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Suchots and Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru.

Under the guidance of key figures such as Jean-Pierre de Smet, who led the estate for two decades, and today Christian Seely and Géraldine Godot, Domaine de l'Arlot has been able to evolve while remaining faithful to its roots. Géraldine Godot, a microbiologist and oenologist native to Burgundy, has been directing production since 2014 with a vision focused on purity and terroir expression. 

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine de l'Arlot

Domaine de l'Arlot extends over 15 hectares of vines, spread across exceptional terroirs in the Côte de Nuits and Vosne-Romanée. Its three monopoles — Clos de l'Arlot, Clos des Forêts Saint-Georges and Clos du Chapeau — are geological gems composed of varied soils blending limestone, clay, marl and gravel. The Clos de l'Arlot, nestled in a former quarry forming a natural amphitheatre, offers unique microclimates and complex soils, ideal for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Clos des Forêts Saint-Georges, with its 7.2 hectares, covers a varied geological palette ranging from Ladoix limestone to white oolitic limestone, imparting power and density to the wines. The Clos du Chapeau, located in Comblanchien, rests on a clay-limestone soil that reveals the lushness of Pinot Noir.

Since 2003, the estate has practised biodynamics, having adopted organic farming as early as 2000 and obtaining AB certification in 2014. This respectful approach, based on observing natural rhythms and the abandonment of chemical products, allows the vines to flourish in a natural balance. The grapes, imbued with the unique characteristics of each plot, faithfully express the essence of the terroirs of Domaine de l'Arlot, making each cuvée an ode to Burgundy.

Vinifications at Domaine de l'Arlot

The winemaking philosophy of Domaine de l'Arlot is based on minimal intervention to allow the truth of the terroir to express itself. The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully sorted, first in the vines and then in the winery, to retain only the finest fruit. Fermentations start spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, and the team, led by Géraldine Godot, favours an intuitive approach adapted to each vintage. For the red wines, a proportion of whole clusters is sometimes used, depending on the ripeness of the stems, in order to bring elegance and complexity. Punch-downs are carried out by hand, and pump-overs are kept to a minimum for a delicate extraction.

The ageing, equally precise, takes place in French oak barrels, with a proportion of new wood varying according to the cuvées (from 10% to 55%). The white wines are barrelled before alcoholic fermentation, while the reds are barrelled after vinification. Malolactic fermentation takes place naturally, in keeping with the rhythm of the seasons, and every detail is monitored to determine the optimal moment for bottling. This artisanal approach guarantees wines of exceptional purity and finesse.

The Cuvées of Domaine de l'Arlot

Domaine de l'Arlot offers a range of cuvées that celebrate the diversity and richness of the terroirs of the Côte de Nuits.

Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Suchots

This red wine embodies the finesse and complexity of Pinot Noir. From old vines of 60 years, it offers an expressive nose of strawberries and rose petals, followed by a creamy, rich and airy palate. Aged 15 months in oak barrels (40% new), it combines elegance and persistence, with a remarkable ageing potential.

Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru

An exceptional wine, this Grand Cru unveils a brilliant ruby colour and a radiant bouquet of black cherry, violet and iodine notes. Its palate, both suave and structured, reveals precise tannins and sublime complexity. Aged 15 months in barrels (40% new), this red wine is a rare privilege for connoisseurs.

Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Petits Plets

From the young vines of the Clos des Forêts Saint-Georges, this red wine captivates with its lushness and fleshy texture. Its expressive nose of dark fruits and peony precedes a powerful palate with well-present tannins, ideal for purchasing wine to drink now or to cellar.

Côte de Nuits Villages Clos du Chapeau Monopole

This red wine highlights the finesse of Pinot Noir with a nose of morello cherry, clove and cocoa. Aged 11 months in barrels (30% new), it offers a supple and elegant structure, perfect for drinking young or after a few years in the cellar.

Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Clos de l'Arlot Monopole

This red wine captivates with its complex bouquet of raspberry, redcurrant and floral notes. Its elegant and concentrated palate rests on supple tannins and a remarkable length. Aged 15 months in barrels (40% new), it is a must for lovers of Burgundy wines.

Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Mont des Oiseaux

Produced in small quantities from the young vines of the Clos de l'Arlot, this red wine reveals a mineral and lively nose, with a silky and crunchy palate. Aged 15 months in barrels (40% new), it combines freshness and elegance, ideal for early drinking.

Nuits-Saint-Georges Cuvée Le Petit Arlot

This red wine from the young vines of the Clos de l'Arlot offers a floral and spiced nose, followed by a delicate palate with aromas of strawberry and liquorice. Classified as a village appellation to preserve its potential, it captivates with its freshness and crunchiness.

Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Clos des Forêts Saint-Georges Monopole

This powerful red wine embodies the identity of Nuits-Saint-Georges with a complex nose of blackcurrant, blackberry and spices. Its dense palate, with rich tannins, promises great ageing potential. Aged 16 months in barrels (40% new), it is an exceptional cuvée.

Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Le Mont (Red)

This fresh and approachable red wine reveals a nose of cherry and raspberry, with a supple and fruity palate. Aged 11 months in barrels (20% new), it is perfect for immediate drinking.

Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Clos de l'Arlot Monopole (White)

This Chardonnay white wine, with a hint of Pinot Gris, offers a nose of white flowers and exotic fruits, followed by a full and mineral palate. Aged 12 months in barrels (20% new), it captivates with its complexity and freshness.

Nuits-Saint-Georges La Gerbotte (White)

From the young vines of the Clos de l'Arlot, this white wine reveals aromas of citrus fruits and fresh almond, with a lively and crystalline palate. Aged 12 months in barrels (20% new), it is ideal for drinking young.

Côte de Nuits Villages Au Leurey (White)

This floral and exotic white wine, with notes of lychee, offers a fresh and taut palate. Aged 11 months in barrels (15% new), it is perfect to accompany a convivial meal.

Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Le Mont (White)

This Chardonnay white wine bursts with aromas of apricot and passion fruit. Its vibrant and mineral palate, aged 11 months in barrels (10% new), captivates with its balance and richness.

Domaine de l'Arlot is an exceptional address for lovers of Burgundy wines seeking authenticity and refinement. Thanks to biodynamic viticulture, respectful winemaking and unique terroirs, every cuvée from the estate tells a story — that of ancestral know-how and a passion for terroir expression. Explore our selection and enjoy the best prices to enrich your cellar with these treasures of the Côte de Nuits!