Burgundy’s Top 10 Wine Producers

Burgundy’s wines have seen a meteoric rise in recent years, with the region consistently outperforming all others, and dominating both trade and value when it comes to its share of the market. Let’s take a closer look at the big-name producers behind Burgundy’s ever-growing popularity.

1. Domaine de la Romanee-Cont

More fondly referred to as ‘DRC’, Domaine de la Romanee-Conti is arguably the most prestigious estate in Burgundy – and one of the most renowned across the globe. Producing just 6,000-8,000 cases of wine a year, DRC’s wines command some of the highest prices at auction – its jewel in the crown, Romanee-Conti, sells for upwards of $20,000 per bottle.

2. Domaine Armand Rousseau

Established in the early 20th century, Domaine Armand Rousseau played a key role in shaping wine production as we know it today. As one of the first estates to bottle its own wine, the estate got a head start in the exports market, and was able to establish itself as one of the greats from the get-go. The Cote de Nuits property produces around 65,000 bottles a year of its grand cru, with some vintages (in the instance, the 1990 Chambertin Grand Cru) selling for as much as £78,000 per case.

3. Domaine Leroy

This Cote de Nuits estate produces a wide range of wines, but its grand crus are something very special indeed – fewer than 300 cases are made each year, and top vintages can command eye-watering prices: the average is currently £120,000 per case. The domaine practices strict biodynamic principles across its 23 hectares of vineyards.

4. Domaine Comte Georges de Vogue

The de Vogue clan are the oldest winemaking family in Burgundy – the estate's roots date back more than 500 years, with over 20 generations having worked on the domaine. Domaine Comte de Vogue is home to some of the most beautiful vineyards in Burgundy, including holdings in Musigny and Bonnes-Mares. While the winemaking teams has a ‘no formula’ approach – adapting the vinification process from vintage to vintage and even from parcel to parcel of vines – the average vintage sells for £4,500 a case.

5. Domaine Georges & Christophe Roumier

One of the longest-established estate-bottling domaines in the Cote D’Or, Domaine Georges Roumier came into being in 1924, when Georges obtained a parcel of vineyards as part of his marriage dowry. A small domaine back then, Georges filled his time working simultaneously as vineyard manager for Domaine Comte Georges de Vogue – the success of both estates demonstrates Georges’ tremendous talent for winemaking. The domaine is now run by his grandson, Christophe (hence the inclusion of the second name), with the average vintage selling for £9,600 per case.

6. Domaine du Clos de Tart

The largest Grand Cru classified property in Burgundy, Clos de Tart has had just three owners over nine centuries – its most recent change of hands saw the long-established Mommesin family sell to the Artemis Group for a reported €250 million in 2017. The estate produces just 2,000 cases of wine a year – mainly through organic processes, although it’s yet to obtain certification. It’s performed consistently highly against other Burgundy properties – its standout 2002 vintage, for example, has yielded returns of more than 230% since 2008.

7. Domaine Ponsot

Innovation is a central pillar of Domaine Ponsot's history: it was one of the first properties to begin estate bottling, and pioneered the development of Aligote at a time when Chardonnay was staunchly in fashion. Producing just 1,000 cases a year, the average vintage price sits at around £4,400, although the end of 2018 saw a case of its Clos de la Roche vielles vignes Grand Cru 1990 on the market for an impressive £24,200.

8. Domaine Bonneau du Martray

Legend has it that the Bonneau du Martray grounds date back to ancient times, when Emperor Charlemange donated the area to the Abbey of Saulieu. It’s also said that his wife convinced him to plant white grapes instead of red, lest his beard become stained. That would certainly explain the presence of Chardonnay grapes in what is otherwise Pinot Noir territory! The estate is majority-owned by American businessman Stan Kroenke, who also owns Napa Valley’s prestigious Screaming Eagle Winery. 

9. Domaine des Lambrays

Domaine des Lambrays is one of Burgundy’s oldest, dating back to the 14th century when it was owned by the Abbey Citeaux. The French Revolution saw the vineyard sold to 75 different owners, but the estate has been painstakingly pieced back together over time. It’s now owned by luxury goods group LVMH – and marks its first foray into Burgundian wine. Its grand cru, Clos des Lambrays, sells for upwards of £3,000 per case.

10. Domaine Laflaive

In a region known for its reds, Domaine Laflaive is a champion for Burgundy whites. The Leflaive family had been resident in the region’s Puligny-Montrachet since 1717, and while the property is now under new management, the name continues to be synonymous with class and quality. The Chevalier Montrachet Grand Cru, made from three plots over 1.99 hectares, can retail from £350 per bottle depending on the vintage.