Moulin aux Moines

Moulin aux Moines is one of the more ancient domaines in the Cote de Beaune, having been farmed by the Abbey of Cluny monks (and then the monks of the Abbey de Citeaux) since 962AD.

The land was chosen by the monks because of a number of very favourable qualities; it was placed at the intersection of two valleys in the heart of the Cote de Beaune (in Auxey-Duresses), was a completely walled-in property, and had its own river running through the domaine which provided nourishment, both to the land and the monks.

A chapel and a dovecote of 500 birdhouses were built in 1650, and both buildings still exist today. The dovecote was an indication of the high status of the domaine, as at the time the number of pigeons in a dovecote was said to be equivalent to the power of the owners in the region. In addition, the droppings of the pigeons were always collected due to extremely high levels of nitrogen and used as natural fertilizers.

In 2008, the Andrieu family purchased the domaine, and under the guidance of Jordane Andrieu immediately converted all of the vineyards to organic and biodynamic farming methods. In 2009, Willy Roulandes was appointed as winemaker, after a number of years at Domaine de Montille.

Today the domaine is 15.5 hectares, and Moulin aux Moines is crafting some beautiful wines from Pommard, Auxey-Duresses, Saint Romain, Pernand-Vergelesses and Monthelie (along with some outstanding Bourgogne-level wines).