Domaine Lamarche - Nicole Lamarche

Domaine Lamarche - Nicole Lamarche: The Elegance of Burgundy Wines

Burgundy is an iconic wine region globally recognized for its exceptional wines. Among the domaines that best embody this excellence, Domaine Lamarche stands out for its family history and the passion driving its vineyards. Under the insightful leadership of Nicole Lamarche, the domaine masterfully blends tradition with modernity to produce wines of unparalleled finesse. This article invites you to discover the fascinating world of Domaine Lamarche and its exceptional wines.

History of Domaine Lamarche

Domaine Lamarche is rooted in the village of Vosne-Romanée, in the heart of the Côte de Nuits in Burgundy. Since the early 20th century, the Lamarche family has passionately cultivated its vines, passing down unique expertise through generations. This long family history forms the foundation of the domaine's reputation.

Nicole Lamarche, representing the fifth generation, has taken the reins of the family estate with a fresh perspective. A qualified oenologist, she brings innovative ideas while respecting the traditions that have made the domaine successful. Her approach focuses on honoring the terroir and authentically expressing Burgundy’s grape varieties.

Exceptional Terroirs

Vosne-Romanée: The Jewel of Burgundy

Domaine Lamarche benefits from plots located on some of the best climats in Vosne-Romanée. This commune is renowned for producing some of the most sought-after wines in the world, thanks to its limestone and clay-rich soils and an ideal microclimate for vine cultivation.

Prestigious Appellations of the Domaine

The domaine spans approximately 11 hectares, divided among prestigious appellations:

• La Grande Rue Grand Cru: A monopole of the domaine, this Grand Cru is a true viticultural treasure.
• Echezeaux Grand Cru
• Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru
• Clos Vougeot Grand Cru
• Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru
• Nuits-Saint-Georges
• Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits

Wines of Domaine Lamarche

La Grande Rue Grand Cru

La Grande Rue is undoubtedly the flagship of Domaine Lamarche. As a monopole, the domaine is the sole producer of this exceptional Grand Cru. Wines from this plot offer remarkable aromatic complexity, blending red fruits, spices, and forest floor notes. They stand out for their elegance and exceptional aging potential.

Other Grand Crus

The Echezeaux and Grands Echezeaux are powerful and structured wines with deep aromas of black fruits and a mineral touch. The Clos Vougeot is characterized by its richness and complexity, offering fine tannins and a long finish.

Premiers Crus and Village Wines

Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru wines from the domaine perfectly reflect the unique terroir of this appellation. They are elegant, with subtle aromas of cherry, violet, and sweet spices. Wines from Nuits-Saint-Georges are more robust, with a firm tannic structure and notes of black fruits and licorice.

Viticulture and Winemaking Methods

Nicole Lamarche prioritizes sustainable viticulture. The domaine is in organic conversion, with a strong focus on biodiversity and soil health. Treatments are limited to what is strictly necessary, favoring natural methods to protect the vines.

Vinification at Domaine Lamarche adheres to traditional Burgundian methods while integrating modern techniques to optimize wine quality. Harvesting is manual, with rigorous grape selection. Fermentations are conducted with indigenous yeasts, and aging takes place in French oak barrels for 12 to 18 months, with a proportion of new oak tailored to each cuvée.

International Acclaim

Wines from Domaine Lamarche are regularly praised by international critics. They have received high ratings in prestigious guides such as the Guide Hachette des Vins and La Revue du Vin de France, as well as top scores from critics like Robert Parker and James Suckling.

Thanks to the exceptional quality of its wines, Domaine Lamarche is present in some of the most demanding international markets, including the United States, Japan, China, and numerous European countries, where it is highly valued by enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Tasting Domaine Lamarche Wines

Food Pairings

Domaine Lamarche wines are ideal companions for French and international gastronomy.

• La Grande Rue Grand Cru: Perfect with beef Wellington, herb-roasted lamb, or aged cheeses like Époisses.
• Echezeaux Grand Cru: Pairs wonderfully with duck à l'orange, cherry-glazed duck breast, or wild mushroom risotto.
• Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru: Complements truffle-infused Bresse chicken, grilled lamb chops, or roasted vegetable dishes.

Serving Tips

To fully appreciate these wines, it is recommended to:

• Serve red wines at a temperature of 16–18°C.
• Decant young wines an hour before serving to encourage aeration.
• Use Burgundy wine glasses to concentrate the aromas.

Visiting Domaine Lamarche

Domaine Lamarche welcomes visitors by appointment for tastings and cellar tours. This is a unique opportunity to discover the domaine’s history, meet the winemakers, and taste the wines in their place of origin.

Conclusion

Domaine Lamarche, under the passionate leadership of Nicole Lamarche, embodies the excellence and elegance of Burgundy wines. Each bottle is the result of meticulous work, respectful of the terroir and family traditions. Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or a novice, Domaine Lamarche wines offer a unique sensory experience, reflecting the authenticity and richness of Burgundy’s wine heritage.

FAQ

What grape varieties are grown at Domaine Lamarche? The domaine primarily cultivates Pinot Noir, the emblematic grape of Burgundy’s red wines. A small amount of Chardonnay is also grown for white wines.

Is the domaine certified organic? Domaine Lamarche is in organic conversion. Nicole Lamarche is committed to environmentally respectful viticulture, promoting biodiversity and limiting chemical use.

What are the flagship wines of the domaine? The most prestigious wine is La Grande Rue Grand Cru, a monopole. Other flagship wines include Echezeaux Grand Cru, Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru, and Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru.

What is the aging potential of the domaine’s wines? The wines from Domaine Lamarche, particularly the Grand Crus and Premier Crus, have excellent aging potential. They can be cellared for 10 to 20 years or more, depending on the vintage.

Does the domaine produce white wines? Yes, the domaine produces a Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Blanc, made from Chardonnay, in limited quantities.