Amiot Servelle

Domaine Amiot-Servelle is a close family concern with 6.5ha in and around Chambolle-Musigny. Christian, solidly-built and bearded, is the son of Pierre Amiot, and married Elisabeth Servelle in 1975, subsequently working at her father's domaine (Servelle-Tachot) until his passing in 1989, renaming the property Amiot-Servelle thereafter. They have now been joined by their children Prune and Antoine – with Prune in charge of viticulture and vinification – and this has really helped the domaine to progress, with an extra level of finesse apparent in recent vintages (backed up by critics scores).

The family presides over an enviable portfolio (now stretching to wines from 12 appellations) that centers around Chambolle with choice 1er crus such as Amoureuses, Charmes and the rare (and quite exceptional) Derrière La Grange. In addition, their portfolio was expanded six years ago with two Grand Crus, Charmes-Chambertin and Clos Saint Denis, that had previously been leased to Christian's brothers.

They converted their vineyards to organic in 2003 becoming certified in 2008, and Prune started to apply biodynamic precepts, she's also recently attended courses given by soil microbiologists Claude and Lydia Bourguignon. The family's winemaking tenets are straightforward with destemming varying from 50 to 100% depending on each cuvée. Prune carries out a very gentle remontage or pigeage (more akin to infusion) according to taste during cuvaison and there is modest use of new oak varying from 15 to 50% according to the wine. Quantities are small with some Chambolle 1er crus limited to just two barrels, often one new and one used.

Their wines demonstrate immense purity of fruit, are deeply resonant with superb terroir expression, initially firmer in the mouth and imbued with a sense of nascent energy and tension.