As we begin to change seasons here in New York, we begin to reach for deeper wines. But, before we rush to rich warming reds, allow the bright and energetic reds (and whites) of Domaine Chanterêves to help you to ease into Autumn. Although I have not been able to taste through this entire lineup yet, in my experience year after year their wines have always blown me away. The intensity, freshness, and precision that Chanterêves wines bring is often unmatched.

For those who are not yet familiar with the husband-and-wife team of Tomoko Kuriyama and Guillaume Bott, their wines are worth a closer look. The pair met in 2005 working in the cellars at Domaine Simon Bize. Guillaume, a Burgundian by birth, honed his skills under Gerard Boudot at Domaine Etienne Sauzet before heading to Bize where he was the chef de cave for years under the late Patrick Bize. Before arriving in Burgundy, Tomoko began her winemaking journey in Germany with producers such as Paul Fürst and Weingut George Breuer. She then earned an engineering degree in oenology and viticulture from Geisenheim University. In 2012 Tomoko relocated to Burgundy, and Chanterêves was born. Between 2012-2020 both Tomoko and Guillaume kept their respective day jobs at other domaines building up their négociant work with Chanterêves. In 2020 they became a full-fledged domaine acquiring 4.9 hectares of vineyards.

With this acquisition, they were able to progress their minimal-intervention farming ideals and produce wines that highlight purity. All vineyards are farmed organically with some incorporation of biodynamic practices. They have reduced plowing to just between mid-April and mid-July, opting to sow a more diverse and healthy cover crop. This in turn allows for more microbial activity, fights erosion, and fixes nutrients in the soil. Following the final tilling in July they manually sow 13 different perennial and annual plant species, all organic to de-compact the soil and build organic mass for better water retention.

After a very difficult 2021 where yields dropped tremendously due to frost, I am pleased to be able to offer some exciting 2022’s from this impressive duo. Quantities are VERY LIMITED I encourage you to take advance of these wines while you can. Below you can find a more technical and detailed explanation of Chantrêves winemaking practices and information on the seven different cuvées we have to offer.

-Hanna Krilov