HISTORY OF DOMAINE: The Bouvier family has owned vineyards in the village of Marsannay at the northernmost boundary of the Cote de Nuits for four generations. Over the years, each succeeding generation has added to the holdings that now comprise approximately 12 hectares spread over 15 "lieudits" situated in 6 different villages. The domaine is now managed by Bernard Bouvier, a thoughtful yet dynamic young man in his early thirties who is dedicated to marrying the traditions of Burgundy to the benefits of modern viticulture and vinification.

COMPOSITION OF DOMAINE: With the recent aquisition of several vineyard sites within Marsannay that are planted to Chardonnay, the Domaine Bouvier produces wine from 13 different appellations. Included in the mix are the following appellations which are now being imported into the United States:

Marsannay Blanc	Marsannay "Clos du Roy"
Marsannay Rose	Marsannay "Champs Salomon"
Bourgogne Rouge "Montre Cul"	Cotes de Nuit Villages - Brochon
Marannay "Les Longeroies"	Fixin "Les Crais de Chene"
	Gevrey Chambertin

One note of particular interest relates to the Bourgogne "Montre Cul". This is a steeply sloped site, the last remaining vineyard virtually within the confines of the city of Dijon. Another point of great importance is the commitment of Bernard Bouvier to effectively reveal the distinctive character of each of the separate vineyards cultivated by the domaine.

METHOD OF VINIFICATION: This is a domaine that is deeply respectful of nature. The soil is cultivated without the use of fertilizers. Treatments in the vineyards, as well as the use of sulfur, are strictly limited. The entire crop is hand-harvested. White wines are barrel fermented and barrel aged. Red wines undergo an extensive cold maceration prior to fermentation. The malolactic fermentation is done in barrel. The wines are aged in small oak casks for 12 to 18 months, depending on the cuvee, before bottling. Approximately one-third of the barrels are new. The wines are not filtered. The resulting wines are deeply colored, very fruity, and despite their early accessibility, extremely ageworthy.