Double Zéro is a micro-négoce founded in 2018 by Jean-François Cuzin and François Bouillot in Beaune, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France. This small-scale operation focuses on natural, sulfite-free wines, sourcing organic and biodynamic grapes from trusted growers in the Côte de Beaune and Hautes-Côtes de Nuits. Producing ~2,000–3,000 bottles annually across a few cuvées, Double Zéro crafts Vin de France, Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits, Coteaux Bourguignons, and Bourgogne Saint Martin wines, primarily Pinot Noir and Aligoté. Known for their “pur jus” (pure juice) philosophy, their wines are vibrant, fruit-forward, and unfiltered, appealing to natural wine enthusiasts. With 80–90% exported to Europe and Asia, their limited production makes them highly sought after.

Winemaking Philosophy

• Organic and Biodynamic Sourcing: Double Zéro sources grapes from organic and biodynamic vineyards in Burgundy, primarily Pinot Noir and Aligoté, from appellations like Hautes-Côtes de Nuits and Les Pommereys (Saint Martin). Vines, aged 20–40 years, grow on clay-limestone soils at 300–400 meters elevation. Growers avoid synthetic chemicals, using biodynamic treatments (e.g., horn manure, silica). Jean-François and François prioritize small, sustainable producers to ensure quality.

• Natural Winemaking: Zero-intervention cellar in Beaune. Reds (Pinot Noir, Bourgogne Saint Martin, Hautes-Côtes de Nuits) undergo whole-cluster fermentation in stainless steel tanks (10–12 days) with native yeasts, followed by 8–10 months in used 228L oak barrels. Whites (Aligoté, Vin de France Orange) see skin contact (7–14 days for orange wine) and fermentation in tanks or amphorae, aged 6–8 months in steel. No fining, filtration, or sulfur additions. Wines are bottled as Vin de France or regional AOCs, emphasizing purity over appellation prestige.

• Grape Varieties and Cuvées:

  • Whites: Aligoté (Vin de France Orange, €31.67, 50.68€/L). Profiles are zesty, with citrus, green apple, and mineral notes, orange wines showing apricot and spice (Vivino: 3.8/50).

  • Reds: Pinot Noir (Bourgogne Saint Martin, Hautes-Côtes de Nuits 2020, Coteaux Bourguignons, €26.67–31.67, 42.67–50.68€/L). Essences include red cherry, cranberry, and earthy undertones with soft tannins (Vivino: 3.7/100 for Saint Martin).

• Terroir: Sourced from Beaune’s clay-limestone and Hautes-Côtes de Nuits’ higher-altitude soils, yielding fresh, elegant wines. Les Pommereys’ terroir adds mineral depth to Bourgogne Saint Martin.

Background

• Founders: Jean-François Cuzin and François Bouillot, both ~40s, are Beaune-based natural wine advocates with experience in Burgundy’s organic wine trade. Jean-François, with a background in viticulture, and François, a former sommelier, launched Double Zéro to craft “living wines” free of additives, inspired by producers like Yann Durieux and Julien Altaber.

• Vision: To produce authentic, sulfite-free wines that express Burgundy’s terroir through minimal intervention, challenging AOC norms. The name “Double Zéro” reflects their zero-sulfur, zero-additive ethos.

• Scale: ~2,000–3,000 bottles from sourced grapes, with no owned vineyards. Production is micro-scale, with 80–90% exported to natural wine markets (e.g., Japan, Denmark).

• Challenges: Limited grape supply and frost (e.g., 2021) reduce yields. High demand and small batches make wines scarce, often allocated to select distributors.