The History of Famille Messager Germain
The Domaine Famille Messager-Germain is a young winery located in Nuit-Saint-Georges, run by Adèle Germain and Simon Messager. Both come from winemaking families and studied at the viticulture school in Beaune. Adèle furthered her studies in wine commerce and worked in various wine regions, including Portugal, South Africa, New Zealand, and France at Château de Pommard. Simon honed his skills at renowned estates such as Hugenot and Domaine Bart, among others.
Wishing to work together, they founded Domaine Famille Messager-Germain to cultivate Simon’s father's vines and develop a wine trading structure. They practice organic farming without certification, choosing this for the freedom it provides in cultivation.
Viticulture and Vinification : The Estate's Philosophy
In the vineyard, Simon and Adèle are committed to preserving the biodiversity surrounding the vines, which is why they adopt organic viticulture practices. They pay particular attention to vineyard work to maximize grape quality during harvest.
In the cellar, the white grapes are gently pressed to preserve their aromas and freshness. After settling, the wines are aged in 600-liter oak barrels to avoid too much oak influence. The red grapes are more or less destemmed, leaving up to 30% whole bunches depending on the vintage and appellation. The grapes are then aged in 228-liter oak barrels. Fermentation is carried out with indigenous yeasts, and interventions during the vinification process are kept to a minimum.
The Wines of Famille Messager Germain
For the 2022 vintage, the domaine offers several cuvées: Coteaux Bourguignons, Bourgogne, and Fixin, available in both red (Pinot Noir) and white (Chardonnay). For the 2023 vintage, Adèle and Simon are adding négociant cuvées to complement the existing range, aiming to maintain continuity in the appellations offered. The wines that will join the estate cuvées are as follows : Côte-de-Nuits "Les Chaillots", Nuits-Saint-Georges "Les Herbues", Gevrey Chambertin "Les Meix Bas", and Morey Saint Denis "En Pierre Virant".
