The Philosophy Behind Le Grappin

The Nielsens focus on small-lot production, working closely with viticulteurs who tend to their vines with extraordinary care.

Le Grappin divides its range into two categories: Le Grappin and Du Grappin. The former represents their premium offerings, sourced from villages and 1er cru vineyards in Burgundy. These wines typically undergo eighteen months of elevage to develop their complexity. The latter, Du Grappin, is a more accessible range, designed for early consumption, often sourced from the Beaujolais and Mâconnais regions.

In 2021, due to challenges posed by frosts and limited grape availability, Le Grappin produced just four barrels of white wine. The reds are equally exclusive, with recent releases limited to a Beaune 1er cru “Les Boucherottes” and a Savigny-lès-Beaune “Aux Fourneaux”. These reds undergo whole-cluster macerations in large foudres for approximately two weeks, with gentle pigeage towards the end to preserve their delicate aromatics.

Le Grappin also produces a diverse selection of Du Grappin reds, including a Fleurie, Côte de Brouilly, and Beaujolais-Villages from Lancié. In 2022, they expanded their range to include Chiroubles. For these wines, Andrew and his team follow the methods of legendary winemaker Jules Chauvet, fermenting at cool temperatures in concrete vats and avoiding excessive extraction. The whites in the Du Grappin range include two Aligotés (one of which is skin-macerated) and a Mâcon-Villages.

Minimal Intervention and Sustainable Practices

Le Grappin is dedicated to minimal intervention winemaking. New oak is used sparingly, only on small batches of Mâcon-Villages to help rinse off any lingering oak flavors before the barrels are used for the more delicate Le Grappin wines. All other barrels are sourced second-hand to minimize their impact on the wine.

This commitment to sustainability and subtlety in winemaking ensures that each bottle of Le Grappin wine is a true reflection of the land and the careful attention paid by the viticulteurs. It’s this balance of tradition and innovation that makes Le Grappin a standout producer in the Burgundy region.