DOMAINE NICOLAS ROSSIGNOL
Although his winery is based in Beaune, Nico’s heart belongs to Volnay. After studying at the Lycée Viticole in Beaune he went to work at Domaine Joseph Voillot who became his mentor. In 1997 Nico founded his domaine with just 3 hectares inherited from an uncle. Today Nico controls 16 hectares spread across Aloxe-Corton, Savigny-lès-Beaune, Beaune, Pommard and Volnay. Viticulture follows biodynamic principles but as Nico is very practical, he’d rather occasionally use conventional fungicide than constantly spray copper sulphate which builds up in the soil. Winemaking is adapted to the vintage and the appellation. The use of whole bunches can range from 0 to 100% and new oak from 0 to 50%. Extraction also is dependent on vintage and appellation but ranges from a gentle infusion to classic once-per-day pigeage. The aim is to allow each terroir to express itself with respect for the vintage. Nico remarks that winemakers who follow a recipe rarely make great wines across a wide range of appellations. Nico’s wines are full of character and clearly express the underlying terroirs.