Alain Gras

THE HISTORY

Alain Gras has been working passionately since 1979 with a great respect for the land. Despite its young age, his domaine has quickly established itself as the standard-bearer for the village of Saint-Romain. It now extends over 30 acres, primarily located in Saint-Romain, Meursault, and Auxey-Duresses. Alain remains one of the most fervent supporters of the wines of Saint-Romain and has lately been joined by his son, Arthur, in his quest to make his a reference point for all of Burgundy. 

THE TERROIR

The small picturesque village of Saint-Romain is perched on the edge of a limestone cliff above the Côte de Beaune and contains a mere 240 acres of vineyards. The village is known for its dramatic views of the valley below and as home to perhaps the most renowned barrel producer in the world, François Frères. It is an exceptional terroir thanks to its position on top of a hill and its limestone-clay soil which forces the vine roots to descend deep into the bedrock to obtain the nutrients they need. The typicity of the soil in Saint-Romain gives minerality, elegance, and freshness to the grapes. Alain Gras’ vineyards in Saint-Romain are at the very highest part of the hill, where they slope down into a small valley. 

THE WINES

Vinified with care and using traditional methods and sustainable practices, the domaine’s wines exemplify the character of this terroir, which Alain Gras sums up in three words: fresh, fruity, and elegant. Saint-Romain whites and reds are wines to enjoy fairly young. Drinking Alain Gras’ Saint-Romain red is like savoring fresh grapes, as the fruit is so expressive. The brightness of his Saint-Romain white makes it ideal as an aperitif, and it also goes well with fish dishes. It is a wine that will delight you. The wines from Auxey-Durresses (white and red) and Meursault also are expressive of their terroir. The Meursault Les Tillets is a wine that balances delicate mineral aromas with a linear and powerful flavor profile. The Auxey-Duresses Les Crais white shows notable balance between its freshness and fattiness and has supple toasty, oaky aromas and flavors. The Auxey-Duresses Vieilles Vignes is from Pinot Noir vines over 100 years old and displays seductive aromas and flavors of ripe fruit and oak alongside a slight animal character.