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Domaine Bruno Desauney-Bissey
Domaine Desaunay-Bissey: A Legacy of Excellence and Tradition
A Family Heritage in Burgundy
Located in Flagey-Échezeaux, the birthplace of two Grand Crus of the Côte de Nuits, Domaine Desaunay-Bissey is a family-run estate with deep roots in the heart of Burgundy. Established over several generations, the domaine spans 6 hectares of vineyards, some of which belong to the family, with other prestigious plots farmed on a fermage basis. These include old-vine parcels in Échezeaux and Grands Échezeaux, as well as additional plots in Vosne-Romanée and neighboring areas.
The Legacy of Bruno Desaunay-Bissey
The estate flourished under the meticulous care of Bruno Desaunay-Bissey, who tragically passed away in April 2023. Bruno’s dedication to crafting wines that express the essence of Burgundy’s finest terroirs has earned Domaine Desaunay-Bissey a quiet but formidable reputation. His discreet nature made him difficult to reach, but the quality of his wines spoke volumes. Bruno, along with his wife Marie-Christine Bissey and their son Richard, managed the domaine with a focus on tradition and environmental respect, employing lutte raisonnée (sustainable farming).
Since 2007, Bruno stopped using herbicides or pesticides, preferring to till the soil to maintain the health of the vineyards. His winemaking philosophy was centered on terroir expression, employing short pre-fermentation macerations, using indigenous yeasts, and practicing gentle extraction to preserve the delicate characteristics of each vineyard site. The wines were aged in barrels with an average of 33% new oak, a percentage slightly higher for the Grand Crus. The wines were neither fined nor filtered, maintaining their purity and authenticity.
New Chapter, New Label
In honor of Bruno’s legacy, the estate will introduce a new label moving forward, paying tribute to his memory and lifelong work. The label represents a continuation of the Desaunay-Bissey family tradition, with Bruno’s son Richard now at the helm, ensuring that the estate’s values and commitment to excellence are carried forward.
Joining the Bertrand’s Wines Portfolio
The inclusion of Domaine Desaunay-Bissey in Bertrand’s Wines portfolio is a story of family connections and trusted friendships. Through recommendations from Arnaud Sirugue (Domaine Robert Sirugue and Domaine Sirugue-Noellat) and Thomas Collardot (Domaine Coquard-Loison-Fleurot), we were introduced to Bruno, whose small but prestigious estate in Flagey-Échezeaux was a hidden gem. Bruno’s vines, including some planted as early as 1928, produce wines from historical plots in Vosne-Romanée and neighboring regions.
The wines from Domaine Desaunay-Bissey have often flown under the radar, with some of Bruno’s production sold to other notable domaines such as Dominique Laurent in the 1990s. However, the estate’s wines are now gaining recognition for their finesse, longevity, and terroir-driven expression. The Grands Échezeaux Grand Cru, in particular, comes from a historic old-vine parcel located at the northern tip of the appellation, bordered by Musigny, Clos Vougeot, and Échezeaux itself.
Crafting Burgundy’s Finest Wines
Bruno cultivated several parcels of very old vines, some over 100 years old, in Échezeaux, Grands Échezeaux, Vosne-Romanée, Chambolle-Musigny, and Nuits-Saint-Georges. These exceptional vineyards have been tended with the utmost care and respect for the environment. Harvest time at the estate is a well-coordinated event, ensuring that each vine’s grapes are picked at optimal ripeness. The wines are crafted to highlight the natural elegance and complexity of the terroir, with a focus on freshness, minerality, and balance.
Moving forward, Domaine Desaunay-Bissey continues to offer prestigious appellations such as Échezeaux, Grands Échezeaux, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Chambolle-Musigny, Vosne-Romanée, and Gevrey-Chambertin. These wines are renowned for their finesse and aging potential, embodying the spirit of Burgundy’s most revered vineyards.
Expertise
The Domaine primarily works with old vines, some parcels being nearly 110 years old. The clay-limestone soils of the Côte de Nuits give character to its exceptional wines. In the cellar, after destemming, the wines are aged in barrels with a larger percentage of new oak for the Premiers and Grand Crus for a period of up to 18 months. Bottling is done without fining or filtration, allowing consumers to fully appreciate the expression of the grape varieties.
