Domaine Gauthier

History of the Estate

How was your Estate founded? Who founded it? What motivated you?

Rémi Gauthier – My father initiated us in viticulture, my brother and I both lived and breathed it from a very young age. My father was a wine producer in Vic-sur-Seille from the 90s until 2003 when he sold his vines. In 2007, my brother also became a wine producer but in the Ardeche, whereas I created my Estate here in 2014.

What training do you have?

RG – I got a BPREA vocational diploma in farm management with a major in viticulture-oenology from Beaune, Burgundy, from 2012 to 2014, whilst working part-time on my brother’s Estate. I learnt all the theory in Beaune and then the practical side of things in Ardeche where I shared experiences with other wine producers.

Wine tourism services

What wine tourism services do you provide on the Estate?

RG – We do not have set opening times. Wine tastings and vineyard tours must be booked in advance. At the moment, I mainly sell my wine to other professionals such as wine merchants and wine bars.

Projects

What future plans do you have for your Estate? 

RG - I intend to develop well and want my plants to become productive as soon as possible. Ideally, I would like to have 12.4 acres, so I can make a living from my vines and maybe employ someone.
I would also like to extend and develop my building. Everything is ready, we are just waiting for production to start.

Current situation

What is your Estate’s surface area and geographic situation?
RG - I have 2.5 acres of vines in Vic-sur-Seille and am set to buy almost 5 acres in Novéant-sur-Moselle.

Could you tell us about your production? What sort of products do you sell on the Estate? How much do you produce, how many bottles?

RG - I produce from 2,500 to 3,000 bottles a year, but this is set to change. I only make PDO wines with auxerrois whites and pinot noir red wines.

How would you describe the three wines you have selected? 

RG - The first one is an auxerrois called “Primitiae,” which means “premises,” or “youth.’ This wine is mainly made with grapes from my young vines, which are then matured in oak barrels for 6 months. The 2020 vintage is a well-balanced and rich aromatic wine with notes of flowers and very ripe white fruits.

The second one is a pinot noir version of “Primitiae,” which is also made from young vines matured in oak barrels for 6 months. It is a delicate, crisp, wine with notes of small red berries. Its balance and the finesse of its tannin make it easy to drink young.

The third one is called “In extenso,” which is a more complex auxerrois with a more exotic palette of flavours. This vintage has enjoyed 1 year in our most recent barrels and is made from the Estate’s oldest vines. Its natural richness blends nicely with its finely toasted notes.