History
Domaine des Epeneaux owes its name to the Clos des Epeneaux, a magnificent parcel of five hectares acquired by Nicolas Marey at the end of the 18th, beginning of the 19th century.
In 1828, the Clos des Epeneaux and related buildings, known as the Fief de Rancy, situated in the centre of the village of Pommard, became part of the heritage of the family of the Count Armand.
The estate remained as such until 1994 when it annexed a vineyard plot situated in the neighboring village of Volnay, then later parcels from the village of Auxey-Duresses.
Today, Domaine des Epeneaux constitutes a total surface area of 9 hectares, and is more committed than ever to producing wines that are true expressions of their terroir.
Philosophy
In tuning into this marvellous spectacle of intimacy, which the vine naturally cultivates with its cosmic-telluric environment, one cannot help but think of the men who accompany and encourage it in a mutual quest for perfection.
Today we are still reaping the wisdom of our ancestors, who providedus not only with soils scintillating with vitality, butwith plants carefully selected and adapted to the subtlety of each parcel over generations.
What ensues is like a great symphony: the climate gives the rhythm, the soil the resonance, andthe vines play the part of first violin.In essence the orchestra conductor is our whole team that works daily and passionately to offer the finest, most delicate expression of our closest companion, the vine.
« In the vegetal realm, wine alone allows man to understand the true savouriness of the earth. » Colette
To assume the role of conductor implies having the ability to compose harmoniously with the talents of every instrument at hand. An intimate relationship, even carnal one, will ultimately burgeon.
One must be ever mindful that it is the vine that produces the wine first and foremost. Since we cannot control the weather, we focus our attention essentially on the plant and naturally on the soil.
Not only does the ground serve as base,it is the locus of immense diversity and complexity in both geological and biological terms.In order to optimize the vitalityof our soil, we use no herbicides. However ploughing, whether mechanical or manual depending on the parcel is essential.
Therefore, no synthetic molecule servesas plant protection (control ECOCERT). To have a well- balanced vine means to have a healthy vine.
By reintroducing ornamental or medicinal plants and beehives, we can largely reduce preventative interventions to simple herb teas (nettles, dandelion…) and decoctions (horsetail, wicker…).
The small yields have allowed us ato monitor harvest more rigorouslyand, exceptinggrave climatic conditions, to produce wines that reflect our passionate aim for quality.
