Second generation in biodynamic since 1985

While organic or biodynamic production is an aspiration for many winemakers, part of Giboulot’s love of his organic methods comes from the fact that he has never done it any differently. He learnt his craft from his father, who ran the estate on an organic basis since 1975 and took over production in 1985 with just a single hectare of land. It was certified biodynamic in 1996 - almost 30 years ago. He now produces around 35,000 bottles a year across ten hectares.

Situated in Cote de Beaune and Beaune, his vines of Pinot Noir, for red and Chardonnay and Pinot Beurrot for white, grow in soils of clay and chalk, at 280 to 400 metres elevation. Only indigenous yeast is used in production, which is based firmly on the schedule of the lunar month. He does not stir the lees and prefers the wine to reach its own level of quality with minimum intervention. He even uses a mechanical screw press rather than a pneumatic equivalent.

As a result of this passionate care and attention and long developed principles, Giboulot’s wines are pure, balanced, elegant, and unique.

It’s one thing to appreciate organic and biodynamic wines, but would you risk prison for your principles? Emmanuel Giboulot did. He was convicted in 2014 for refusing a government order to spray crops with pesticides, following an outbreak of golden rot, only to have the decision reversed on appeal. Many other producers in the region were outraged that someone was doing things differently, but Giboulot stayed firm.

“This is a victory for people power - there is a social problem here – the impact of agricultural practices and the use of pesticides on the quality of produce and therefore on human health. Burgundy, which has vineyards of exceptional quality, should be promoting practices that respect the environment” said Emmanuel in a post on his Facebook page which received over 130,000 likes!