Marc SoyardThe Bizot Apprentice
Dijon's municipal estate—a 160-hectare property owned by the city, managed by a young winemaker trained for 6 years at Domaine Bizot. Organic and biodynamic, whole-bunch vinification, and the sole producer authorized to use the historic Coteaux de Dijon designation.
From Jura to Dijon via Vosne-Romanée—how a city-owned estate revived the historic Coteaux de Dijon.
In 2013, the city of Dijon made an unprecedented move—purchasing a 160-hectare agricultural property called Domaine de la Cras, located just outside the city limits in Plombières-lès-Dijon. The former owner had already built a winery and planted 8 hectares of vineyards (5 ha Pinot Noir, 3 ha Chardonnay) on land classified under the Bourgogne AOC, with potential for 13 additional hectares [^89^][^96^].
Rather than manage it municipally, Dijon held an open call for proposals with strict criteria: the vineyards must be farmed organically, the winner must be a young winemaker with no existing family vineyards, and they must be willing to open the estate to the public for educational visits. Marc Soyard was chosen—a winemaker from a non-winemaking family in the Jura who had spent 6 years at Domaine Bizot in Vosne-Romanée as vineyard manager and cellar assistant to Jean-Yves Bizot [^92^][^95^].
Marc was given free rein to live on-site, tend the vineyards, and produce wines under the condition that he pay a yearly "rent" in bottles to the city of Dijon. The first vintage was 2014. Though limited to Bourgogne AOC classification, Domaine de la Cras is the sole producer permitted to use the designation Coteaux de Dijon—a historic name that predates the more famous Côte de Nuits, referencing the era when Dijon's wines were valued above those of Gevrey or Chambolle by the Dukes of Burgundy [^89^][^97^].
The owl on the label is Dijon's symbol—the city is dotted with brass owl markers that guide visitors through historic sites, and following these "chouettes" (owls) leads to the estate itself [^97^].
Bizot's minimalism meets biodynamic innovation—whole bunch fermentation, natural yeast, and experimental wood types.
Marc has adapted the hands-off, natural philosophy he learned at Domaine Bizot to Dijon's municipal estate. All vineyards are farmed organically with biodynamic practices—Marc believes biodynamics heals soils in three years versus seven years with organics alone, through preparations like 500 (horn manure) and 501 (horn silica) [^120^].
In the cellar, indigenous yeasts drive fermentation with minimal sulfur addition (sometimes none at all). Depending on the vintage, reds range from partial to 100% whole cluster fermentation. Marc is an experimenter with wood: beyond traditional Burgundian oak, he uses acacia and chestnut barrels crafted by artisan tonnelier Jérôme Fouailly, and even a unique blended barrel combining acacia and oak woods [^89^][^120^].
"There are no rules here," explains his assistant Marie-Estrella. "Everything depends on the vintage. Every year is a living year. He always adapts, there are no recipes." This flexibility is enabled by the estate's classification—having only regional appellation status gives Marc the freedom to experiment that Grand Cru owners can only dream of: "If you have a hectare of Bâtard-Montrachet you can't do that," he smiles [^117^][^120^].
Living Year
Terroir First
Grand Bessy and the Coteaux de Dijon—marl and limestone soils on the northern edge of the Côte de Nuits.
Hectares Planted
Currently 8 hectares under vine (5 ha Pinot Noir, 3 ha Chardonnay) with potential for 21 hectares total. The central vineyard block is called Grand Bessy, planted between 1983-2001, with vines ranging from 25-40 years old [^90^][^95^].
de Dijon
The sole producer authorized to use this historic designation. Historically, wines from Plombières were valued above Gevrey or Chambolle by the Dukes of Burgundy. The first ducal vineyard mention dates to 1228, with wine presses from 1238 still visible in the town [^97^][^100^].
Limestone
Soils are distinct from typical Burgundy clay-limestone—lighter marl and limestone compositions that are well-drained and easy to work. The Cras cuvées come from steeper, better-exposed parcels, while Coteaux comes from lower elevations [^114^][^95^].
From Coteaux de Dijon to solera projects and experimental cuvées—natural Burgundy with Bizot influence.
Coteaux de Dijon Rouge
The entry-level red from Domaine de la Cras—Pinot Noir from 1.5 hectares within Grand Bessy (vines planted 1985-2001). Fermented 2/3 whole cluster, 1/3 destemmed, aged 10-12 months in neutral barriques. Shows ruby color, red fruits, dried herbs, cassis, and rhubarb with the freshness characteristic of Dijon's northern terroir [^90^][^95^].
Coteaux de Dijon Blanc
From the top and base of the 2.5 hectare Grand Bessy block planted in 1985. Fermented and aged 10-12 months in neutral barrique. Displays peach, lime zest, sea salt, and smoke—weighty yet balanced, with the nervosity of Dijon's marl soils. A top hidden gem of Burgundy that over-delivers for its classification [^90^][^112^].
Cras Monopole Rouge
The flagship red from the steepest, best-exposed 0.5 hectare parcel of Grand Bessy—totally isolated from neighboring vineyards (no pesticide drift). 100% whole cluster, 18 months aging in barriques (40-50% new oak). More muscular and complex with wet earth stoniness, bramble, and cassis. Just 2,708 bottles produced in 2020 [^95^][^90^].
Cras Monopole Blanc
From the heart of the 2.5 ha Chardonnay block—the best-exposed vines. Aged 18 months in mixed new and used barriques. More intensely mineral and structured than the Coteaux, with serious aging potential. Fermented with indigenous yeasts, no added sulfur. Just 3,971 bottles produced in 2020 from 35+ year old vines [^95^].
L'Équilibriste Rouge
Created for a local circus festival (hence the tightrope walker/balancing act on the label), this is the zero-sulfur cuvée from the same Grand Bessy vines as the Coteaux. 100% whole cluster, semi-carbonic fermentation, 9 months élevage for immediate enjoyment. Bursting with cherry skin, lilacs, white pepper, and blueberry—fresh, delicious, and totally clean without any "mouse" character. CO2 produced naturally in barrel acts as protection [^120^][^134^].
L'Équilibriste Blanc
From a 1 hectare parcel in Talant (planted 2017-2018), just next to Plombières-lès-Dijon but across a valley with different weather exposure. Fermented and aged 10-12 months in neutral barrique without sulfur. A lighter, more immediate white companion to the red Équilibriste [^90^][^122^].
Acte 2 (Solera)
An oxidative solera-style white blending vintages 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022 in 600L barrels. Grapes are pressed in a smaller wooden basket press over 24 hours. Long élevage creates complexity with oxidative, nutty notes—intentionally "on the oxidized side" with each vintage contributing something different. Only 600 bottles produced [^117^][^119^].
Hermaïon
Marc's personal vineyard—a small parcel of 70+ year old Pinot Noir near Ladoix-Serrigny (between Ladoix and Corgoloin), distinct from the municipal estate. Spontaneously fermented whole-cluster, aged 22 months in 228L neutral barrel, unfined, unfiltered, no added SO2. Light and perfumed with cherries and white pepper—a flagbearer for the underappreciated Ladoix appellation [^120^][^127^][^133^].
The Municipal Pioneer
Domaine de la Cras represents a unique model in Burgundy—municipal ownership with private stewardship, combining the resources of a city with the passion of a young, ambitious winemaker. Marc Soyard has proven that regional appellation wines can achieve excellence that rivals more prestigious terroirs, while the lack of Grand Cru status paradoxically grants him the freedom to experiment—solera projects, acacia barrels, orange wines, pét-nats, and vin de voile [^117^].
As the sole standard-bearer for the Coteaux de Dijon designation, Marc is reviving a forgotten chapter of Burgundian history. His connection to Domaine Bizot places him in a lineage of minimal-intervention excellence, while his personal project Hermaïon demonstrates his commitment to old vines and terroir expression beyond the municipal estate. The "rent" paid in bottles to Dijon creates a unique civic bond—wine as public patrimony [^96^][^120^].
- Owned by City of Dijon (unique municipal model)
- Managed by Marc Soyard (6 years at Domaine Bizot)
- First vintage: 2014
- 8 hectares (21 potential)
- Sole producer of Coteaux de Dijon
- Organic with biodynamic practices
- Whole bunch fermentation (0-100% depending on vintage)
- Acacia and chestnut barrels (experimental)
- Solera project (Acte I and II)
- Zero sulfur cuvées (L'Équilibriste)
- 70+ year old vines (Hermaïon)
- Personal parcels in Ladoix and Hautes-Côtes de Nuits
- "Rent" paid to city in bottles
- Owl symbol (Dijon's mascot)