François Grangé presents his new domaine in the Hautes Côtes de Beaune. First vintage!

That's it! After several months of waiting, François Grangé has finally released his two great vintages. We have just received them and are very happy – and eager – to present them to you.

Both wines have benefited from extended ageing in casks, followed by a long period of rest in the bottle, allowing them to reveal their best qualities. Patience and high standards have gone into creating two vintages that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Hautes-Côtes de Beaune Rouge “Croix Simone” 2023

Pinot Noir from a 60-year-old vineyard, entirely worked by horse and with controlled yields (35 hl/ha). Vinification using whole bunches, without any additives or sulphur – all signs of a deep respect for time and the raw material. On the palate, it has remarkable depth: intense black fruit, wild charm and a restrained energy that speaks of patience and happiness in the bottle. A great pleasure to drink now, it also promises excellent ageing potential. 

Hautes-Côtes de Beaune Blanc “La Gredine” 2023

A Chardonnay just the way we like it! A magnificent vineyard, beautiful grapes harvested at maturity, vinified without additives using the same rigorous approach as the Pinots. A precise, straightforward and mineral white, in which balance and purity reign supreme. Its natural freshness and delicate fruit make it an ideal companion to start a beautiful evening or accompany a delicate dish.

His estate, his vision, his success

It's always a real pleasure to meet the winemakers. It gets us out of Beaune and, incidentally, out of the cellar where we spend so much time, but above all, it gives us a chance to get some fresh air and fully embrace this region, which is frankly hard to get enough of. It has to be said that from the north to the south of Burgundy, the landscapes are constantly changing. But if there's one area we particularly like to visit, it's the Hautes Côtes de Beaune. It's hilly, still quite rural, very quiet, bewitching. So when François Grangé invited us to discover his brand-new estate, we jumped right into the car.

François Grangé. Does the name ring a bell? François was the vineyard manager at Domaine Chandon de Briailles in Savigny. It was he, in particular, who introduced biodynamics, herbal teas and all those original and highly effective ways of combating disease without using junk food. Drop by Savigny one day to see the estate's vineyards, and you'll understand the man's talent.

After many years of long and loyal service, François was looking for independence, a little more freedom and the chance to get into winemaking. So, when the opportunity arose to take over the vineyards of Chateau de Mandelot, he jumped at it. Welcome to Domaine de Mandelot!

On visiting the premises, we were charmed. Everything is in place to produce top-quality work. The work has been extensive, but the tools are now in place to produce a top-flight first vintage. Tasting confirms this impression. We tasted an excellent rosé, an Aligoté, an Aligoté de Macération, a Pinot Blanc, a Chardonnay and two Pinot Noir, all from vines not far from the château, some of which are worked entirely with horses.

The wines are vinified without any inputs. François' experience and rigor shine through in these lively, deep, airy, yet earthy wines. The two Pinots really blew us away, so perfectly do they match the pleasure we seek in today's terroir-driven wines. The whole harvest is perfectly mastered, allowing the juices to develop an intoxicating energy. We're won over.