Domaine de la Folie

Domaine de la Folie : A Historic Gem in Rully, Burgundy

Domaine de la Folie is a family-owned estate with over 300 years of history, nestled in the village of Chagny at the northern edge of the Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy. The estate has been passed down through generations of the Noël-Bouton family and is currently managed by Clémence and Baptiste Dubrulle. This iconic estate covers 13 hectares of vines, with prestigious vineyards in the Rully appellation, including the monopole Rully 1er Cru Clos Saint-Jacques, Clos de Bellecroix, and Clos de la Folie, which lends its name to the domain.

A Rich History and a Connection to French Innovation

Domaine de la Folie’s history is intertwined with French heritage, originally founded by the Marquis Bouton de Chamilly, a Marshal of France under King Louis XIV. A key figure in the estate’s history is Etienne-Jules Marey, an ancestor of Clémence. Marey was a renowned scientist and inventor in the 19th century, celebrated for his contributions to photography and the study of motion. His invention of the chronophotographic rifle and the sphygmograph made him a pioneer in the early stages of cinema. Marey’s innovative spirit lives on at Domaine de la Folie, where the family combines tradition with a forward-thinking approach to winemaking.

Viticulture and Winemaking

The estate practices sustainable viticulture, avoiding chemical herbicides and working the soil to maintain the health of the vines and terroir. Harvesting is manual, ensuring high-quality grapes are selected for vinification. The wines are aged in either steel tanks or older oak barrels, with minimal new oak to preserve the purity and freshness of the wines. The result is wines that reflect the elegance, finesse, and complexity of Rully, with the domaine’s signature freshness.

Signature Wines and Vineyards

Domaine de la Folie’s vineyards are planted with both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Their Rully 1er Cru Clos Saint-Jacques is one of the most prestigious in the region, known for its fine minerality and balanced acidity. Other standout wines include Clos de Bellecroix and Clos de la Folie, both of which exhibit richness and vibrant freshness, hallmarks of the terroir. The estate also produces a Cuvée Marey from the Clos de Bellecroix, a tribute to their inventive ancestor.

Continuing the Legacy

Clémence and Baptiste Dubrulle have honored the estate’s history while incorporating modern viticultural techniques. Their vision is to showcase the unique terroirs of Rully and the Côte Chalonnaise while preserving the environment and tradition passed down through generations. Their efforts have positioned Domaine de la Folie as a standout in Burgundy, producing wines that reflect the essence of this historic estate.

In short, Domaine de la Folie is a beautiful marriage of heritage, innovation, and winemaking excellence, with a legacy that spans centuries and continues to thrive under the care of the Dubrulle family.

Expertise

In sustainable farming, the estate respects traditional methods and the environment. Soil management is favored over the use of chemical treatments, yields are controlled for quality, and manual harvesting in small crates helps preserve the integrity of the grape clusters until they reach the winery. The wines are vinified with great care, with each step carefully monitored until bottling. They express the elegance of the appellation and the character of its terroir.