Wine Domaine Robert Groffier Pere & Fils Les Amoureuses Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru, 2014

Domaine Robert Groffier Père & Fils, Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru "Les Amoureuses"

Domaine Robert Groffier Père & Fils' Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru "Les Amoureuses" is one of the finest, most expressive, and sensual examples of red Burgundy wine. It is distinguished by its elegant and vibrant character, achieving a perfect balance between firm structure and silky texture. The long, lingering finish elevates the wine to an exceptional level.

This wine is crafted from Pinot Noir grapes grown in the prestigious Les Amoureuses Premier Cru vineyard. Located just below and to the north of Les Musigny, the vineyard spans 5.4 hectares, divided into four distinct terroirs. Domaine Robert Groffier owns 1.12 hectares of this exceptional site, which, due to its unique characteristics, is often compared to the greatest Grand Cru vineyards. The soils here are clay-limestone, and the vines have an average age of 60 years. Sustainable farming practices are employed to preserve the health of the vineyard and enhance grape quality.

Harvesting is done by hand at optimal ripeness, with 50% of the grapes undergoing whole-cluster fermentation. The winemaking process begins with a seven-day cold maceration, followed by temperature-controlled fermentation with regular pump-overs to fully extract color and tannins. The wine is then aged in oak barrels (20% new) for approximately one year. Regular tastings determine the exact moment of bottling, which is done without fining or filtration. This wine has an impressive aging potential of up to 35 years.

Renowned wine critic Robert Parker once said of the estate:
"Every wine from Domaine Robert Groffier was the finest example of its terroir, from Bourgogne to Grand Cru. Serge Groffier’s meticulous work in the vineyards is evident in every glass of this esteemed estate’s nectar, which is destined to achieve even greater fame."

The Legacy of Robert Groffier

Robert Groffier is regarded as one of the finest winemakers in the Côte d’Or. His domaine consists of seven hectares of exceptional vineyards, including Chambolle-Musigny, Bonnes-Mares, and Chambertin Clos de Bèze. The dedication and expertise of his son, Serge Groffier, have further elevated the quality of their wines, which showcase the very best attributes of Pinot Noir.

The domaine employs the Cordon de Royat pruning method, which results in highly concentrated berries. Unlike many producers, Robert and Serge allow their grapes to ripen longer, enhancing depth and complexity. Their winemaking philosophy is rooted in tradition—strict yield control, meticulous grape selection, and a flexible approach to barrel aging. There is no fixed formula for the proportion of new oak used or the exact duration of barrel aging; instead, they tailor each vintage based on its unique characteristics.

Winemaking Philosophy and Signature Wines

Domaine Robert Groffier Père & Fils is often compared to Burgundy’s finest winemakers due to its adaptability and vintage-specific techniques. Some years, fermentation is carried out with whole clusters, while in others, destemming is preferred. However, every vintage undergoes a cold maceration lasting 5–6 days, followed by fermentation designed to extract maximum color and flavor. Robert and Serge Groffier meticulously monitor their wines at every stage, relying on their refined palates to guide the process.

Groffier wines are powerful, deeply colored, and well-structured, with firm yet polished tannins. Among them, Chambolle-Musigny "Les Amoureuses" is often the most expressive, revealing luscious ripe berry and fruit notes. Bonnes-Mares is bolder and more muscular, with a rich fruit core, while Chambertin Clos de Bèze is distinguished by its remarkable acidity and pronounced red berry character.

In the late 1990s, Groffier was recognized as one of the top four Burgundy producers in the 6th edition of Parker’s Wine Buyer’s Guide, cementing the domaine's reputation as a benchmark for excellence in Burgundy.