From: Chaumont-le-Bois, Côte d’Or, Burgundy, France
Blend: 65% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Blanc

Taste: “Light gold color. Fine nose, with accents of small red fruits, touches of almond, hazelnut. On the palate, a pleasant balance between the vinosity of Pinot and the freshness of Chardonnay. Pleasant overall liveliness. A good crémant as a dinner aperitif.” - Gilbert & Gaillard guide

Pairing: For appetizers, smoked salmon canapés harmonize well with the freshness of Chardonnay, balancing the rich, smoky flavors of the salmon, while the Pinot Noir adds depth. Goat cheese crostini is another excellent match, as the Crémant's acidity and fruitiness enhance the creamy texture and tangy taste of the cheese. Prosciutto-wrapped melon provides a nice contrast, with the sweetness of the melon and the savory prosciutto complementing the wine's lively palate.

Regarding main courses, roast chicken with herbs benefits from the light vinosity of Pinot Noir, which complements the savory herbs and tender chicken, while the Chardonnay's acidity cuts through the richness. Seafood risotto, with its creamy consistency, pairs beautifully with the Crémant's almond and hazelnut notes, and the wine's freshness enhances the delicate flavors of the seafood. With its earthy flavors, a mushroom tart is balanced by the Crémant's fruitiness and nutty accents, creating a well-rounded pairing. For cheese options, Brie or Camembert soft cheeses match the wine's delicate nose and almond notes, creating a luxurious combination.

Herb Crepes With Goat Cheese Filling
By Martha Rose Shulman

About. Domaine Bouhélier, located in the village of Chaumont-le-Bois in the Côte d'Or department of Burgundy, has a rich history and tradition in winemaking. The domaine is well-known for producing Crémant de Bourgogne, a sparkling wine crafted using the traditional méthode champenoise.

Domaine Bouhélier is a family-run estate that has been passed down through generations. The Bouhélier family has deep roots in the Châtillonnais region, where they have developed a reputation for their expertise in viticulture and winemaking. The property of the estate's wine-making history dates back to at least the 17th century, and the family has preserved traditional methods while embracing modern techniques to enhance the quality of their wines.

The significant milestones in the domaine's development began in 1987, when the Châtillonnais hillsides received AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) classification under the AOC Cremant de Bourgogne, marking the area's potential for producing high-quality wines. This classification set the stage for Sylvain Bouhélier's ambitious venture into winemaking.

In 1988, a pivotal time, Sylvain Bouhélier planted the Domaine’s first AOC plot, sowing the seeds for a thriving vineyard. By 1990, the domaine celebrated its inaugural harvest, a significant milestone in establishing its presence in the wine industry. The subsequent years witnessed rapid growth, with the construction of the vat room and the inauguration of the press in 1993, providing the necessary infrastructure for wine production. The resumption of a distillation workshop in 1994 further expanded the domaine's capabilities, a testament to Sylvain's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to quality.

1995 marked a significant milestone for Domaine Bouhélier, with the marketing of its first bottles of wine and the opening of the winemaker's museum. The new millennium ushered in a period of continued growth, with the construction of a new distillery in Chaumont-le-Bois in 2000 and the extension of the cellar in 2003. The domaine's commitment to excellence was recognized in 2005 when it clinched its first Gold Medal at the prestigious National Cremant Competition, proving the estate's dedication to producing high-quality wines.

In 2006, Anne joined the domaine, bringing new energy and ideas and expanding the vat room in 2009-2010, further increasing production capacity. The family tradition continued with Paul joining the domaine in 2016, ensuring that the legacy of Domaine Bouhélier would be carried forward with the same passion and dedication that had characterized its history from the beginning.

The history of the Châtillonnais region is deeply intertwined with viticulture, dating back to antiquity. This connection is exemplified by the exquisite Vase de Vix, a relic from the Celtic era preserved in the Museum of Pays Chatillonnais. The Middle Ages saw many monastic establishments fostering the development of viticulture, benefiting from the valley of the Seine, which served as a vital passageway for the wine trade.

By around 1820, under the modernization efforts of Maréchal Marmont, the first sparkling wines of Châtillonnais emerged. The vineyard reached its peak in the mid-19th century, covering over 2,500 hectares. However, from 1890 onwards, the region faced a series of challenges. The phylloxera epidemic, successive poor harvests, and economic turmoil led to a significant decline in viticulture, culminating in the virtual disappearance of vineyards between the two world wars.

In the late 1980s, a collective effort to revive the Châtillonnais vineyards began. In 1987, the abandoned hillsides were granted the AOC Bourgogne classification. With this recognition, pioneers took on the challenge of replanting and producing high-quality wines. Since 1988, Domaine Bouhélier has been instrumental in promoting the Châtillonnais terroir, contributing to its resurgence and reputation.

The Châtillonnais holds a unique place among the great wines of Burgundy, particularly noted for its production of high-quality sparkling wines. This is largely due to its proximity to the Champagne vineyards, which influences its viticultural practices. Crémant de Bourgogne, a sparkling wine, is the jewel of this terroir, with 85% of the vines dedicated to its production.

The soils of the Châtillonnais vineyard are composed of clay-limestone Jurassic geological layers, with loose limestone pebbles from the top of the slopes mixing with marls to create an ideal environment for vine cultivation. Domaine Bouhélier's vineyards cover a total area of 6 hectares, classified as AOC Bourgogne, spread across five villages in the Châtillonnaise coast: Chaumont-le-Bois, Noiron-sur-Seine, Gomméville, Griselles, and Vix. These vineyards, often planted on steep slopes with south and southeast exposures, benefit from optimal conditions for grape ripening, contributing to the high quality of the wines produced.

Estate Notes: The vineyards are primarily planted with the noble varieties of Burgundy and Champagne, namely Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. A small plot of Pinot Blanc is reserved for select vintages, adding unique characteristics to certain wines.

Sustainable viticulture is a cornerstone of the Domaine’s practices, emphasizing environmental stewardship and quality improvement. The estate does not use chemical fertilizers, insecticides, and anti-rot treatments, favoring natural methods to enhance soil and vine health. Summer wedding helps protect the soil from erosion and improve grape quality, while winter shoot crushing adds organic matter, boosting soil vitality. Light caterpillar machines prevent soil compaction, and the vineyard is interspersed with grass strips, hedges, and trees to support biodiversity. The commitment to sustainability extends to the manual harvest of all vines, ensuring meticulous selection and handling of grape bunches. Harvested mid-September over 8 to 10 days, the grapes are carefully sorted, picked whole with unburst berries, and transported in small openwork crates to maintain their integrity.

Wine Notes: This Cuveé tradition blends 65% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, and 10% Pinot Blanc. It is aged 24 months on lees.