Presentation of the domaine Famille Messager-Germain

DISCOVER THE MESSAGER-GERMAIN FAMILY WINES

• Messager-Germain family: The essentials

- The origins of the family estate date back to the beginning of 2006.

- The Messager-Germain family estate was founded in 2023

- The estate is located in the village of Nuits-Saint-Georges

- 1.1 hectares of vines divided into 6 appellations. 2/3 red, 1/3 white for the 2022 vintage

• 2 white regional appellations
• 1 white village appellation
• 2 regional red appellations
• 1 village red appellation

- 4 hectares for the 2023 vintage. 2.5 hectares in production and 1.5 hectares of young vines planted.

- Yields are controlled to bring out the best in the terroir. Between 40 and 45 hectolitres per hectare for the red wines and between 50 and 55 hectolitres per hectare for the white wines.

- The vines are cultivated organically, but without certification, as part of our cultural freedom.

- Harvesting: 100% destemmed or partially destemmed depending on the vintage and style, with a maximum of 30% whole grapes.

- Aged for 12 months in 228-litre oak barrels for red wines and 600-litre barrels for white wines. Maximum 30% new oak.

- The wines are not filtered, but the whites are fined with bentonite (clay).

• History of the Messager-Germain family estate

Founded in 2023 and located in Nuits-Saint-Georges, in the heart of Burgundy's prestigious terroirs, the Famille Messager-Germain estate embodies the excellence and passion handed down from generation to generation.

Adèle Germain and Simon Messager, heirs to two emblematic winemaking families, have combined their strengths and expertise to create an exceptional estate. Originally from the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune respectively, they have been immersed in vine-growing since childhood.

While Simon perfected his art alongside his father with his first vintage in 2015 and at renowned estates such as Huguenot and Domaine Bart, Adèle explored the wine trade around the world. From her travels in Portugal, South Africa and New Zealand to her years spent at the prestigious Château de Pommard, she has enriched her experience and knowledge of different wine-making practices.

Driven by the desire to perpetuate the family know-how while embracing the challenges of the contemporary world, Adèle and Simon founded their own estate in 2023. Respecting the principles of organic farming, they chose not to pursue AB (Agriculture Biologique) certification, thus asserting their cultural freedom.

The domaine's vineyards stretch across the prestigious communes of Marsannay-la-Côte, Couchey and Fixin. With a carefully thought-out trading structure, the Messager-Germain family guarantees continuity across the Côte de Nuits appellations, while preserving the authenticity of each terroir.

Adèle and Simon pay meticulous attention to every stage, from the vine to the cellar. The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes are grown with respect and passion, reflecting the very essence of the Burgundy terroir. Each wine, full of elegance, finesse and delicacy, bears witness to the unrivalled expertise of the Messager-Germain family. Artisanal winemaking, a unique signature

• The estate's philosophy

The Messager-Germain family embodies the perfect harmony between age-old winemaking tradition and contemporary innovation, offering wine lovers a unique experience thanks to a balance between tradition and modernity.

Founded on the values inherited from generations of winemakers, the Messager-Germain family skilfully combines traditional viticultural practices with modern techniques, guaranteeing the quality and authenticity of its wines.

Keen to adapt to the expectations of modern consumers, the estate offers wines that are fresh and accessible when young, while retaining exceptional ageing potential. This subtle modernisation reflects their desire to remain faithful to the traditional spirit while responding to current trends.

Equally concerned with preserving the natural balance of their environment, the estate pays particular attention to the ecosystem and biodiversity of its vineyards. The choice of organic practices, albeit uncertified, testifies to their commitment to nature.

Convinced that the key to quality lies in the quality of the grapes, Adèle and Simon pay meticulous attention to their vines. For the last three years, they have been growing organically, and have observed with satisfaction a noticeable difference at harvest time: grapes with richer, more expressive and explosive aromas.

Committed to revealing the full potential of the Fixin appellation, Adèle and Simon strive to prove that this land produces wines of remarkable elegance. Their ambition is to put Fixin back among the great names of the Côte de Nuits, thanks to their know-how and passion. That's why each parcel of vines is treated with the utmost care, according to its own characteristics and with absolute respect for the terroir. This meticulous approach allows us to express all the authenticity and diversity of Burgundy's terroirs.

• Managing the Messager-Germain family vineyards

Soil management

At the Famille Messager-Germain estate, soil management is an absolute priority, guided by respect for the land and the desire to produce exceptional wines.

Soil analyses are carried out regularly to gain an in-depth understanding of the needs of each plot. This approach enables us to adapt our thinking and actions precisely, guaranteeing a personalised approach that respects the diversity of the terroirs.

In the autumn, Adèle and Simon add organic amendments to the soil with bottom dressing. The aim of this practice is to enrich the soil naturally, promoting an optimum biological balance for the growth of the vines.

In April, the vines are ploughed 100%, but at a shallow depth of between 5 and 8 cm. This technique releases the nitrogen present in the grass while preserving the soil structure and the biodiversity that resides there.

For the Messager-Germain family, preserving the health of the soil is a constant concern. To avoid soil compaction as much as possible, rigorous practices are put in place: use of a light tractor, treatment of the vines with a small caterpillar and limiting the number of passes to what is strictly necessary. What's more, the machinery does not travel through the vines when they are waterlogged, thus preserving the integrity of the soil and the plantations.

Pruning the vines

At the heart of their approach to winegrowing, the Messager-Germain family pays particular attention to the pruning of the vines, which is essential to their development. Drawing on their expertise, Simon and Adèle favour single Guyot pruning for 80% of their vines. This technique, combined with long pruning, enables the vines to retain a long cane, thereby encouraging strong disbudding. This clever practice helps to regulate fruit density, improve the effectiveness of treatments and encourage fruit ripening. The rest of the vines are pruned using the cordon de royat method, offering a diversity of shapes adapted to each plot. The canes are positioned facing the prevailing wind to prevent damage to the new shoots and buds.

Pruning is carried out in two stages: pre-pruning in February and final pruning after 15 March. This methodical approach ensures maximum attention is paid to each individual vine, optimising the production and quality of the grapes.

Aware of the damaging effects of high summer temperatures, the estate adopts a preventive pruning strategy. Trimming is kept fairly high, stopping at the beginning of July. This practice leaves a protective cap of vegetation, providing welcome shade for the bunches of grapes and protecting them from the scorching rays of the summer sun.

In response to the challenges posed by climate change, the estate's vines are no longer thinned out in order to retain as much shade as possible. In addition, the first topping is done by hand, guaranteeing meticulous attention to each plant.

Treatments

The Messager-Germain family estate favours the use of organic treatments, in perfect harmony with the principles of organic farming and respect for biodiversity. What's more, they follow the lunar calendar to adjust their treatments, taking into account natural cycles for maximum effectiveness.

Treatments are carried out with a caterpillar to prevent the soil from compacting, thereby preserving its structure and fertility. They are preferably scheduled early in the morning or late in the evening, to avoid the most intense hours of sunshine and to limit the risk of burns to the leaves.

Adèle and Simon endeavour to maximise the time between treatments, with the aim of minimising the use of phytosanitary products and preserving the ecological balance of the vineyard. They also adapt their treatments according to the specific needs of the vines and the weather conditions, adopting a reasoned approach that respects the environment.

Between 7 and 9 treatments are carried out each year, depending on the needs of the vines and the weather conditions. This number is precisely determined to ensure effective crop protection while respecting biodiversity and preserving soil health.

 DISCOVER THE MESSAGER-GERMAIN FAMILY WINES

• Method of vinification

Discover the winemaking secrets behind the exceptional wines of Famille Messager-Germain, combining tradition, know-how and respect for the terroir.

For white wines

The grapes are carefully harvested by hand in small 15 kg crates, thus preserving the integrity of the bunches and avoiding any settling. This method guarantees a high-quality harvest, which is essential for producing wines of great finesse. It's very important for Adèle and Simon to harvest at the right time to avoid as much intervention as possible in the cellar.

The grapes are gently pressed in pressure stages, varying from 0.2 bar to 0.2 bar until they reach 1.9 bar. This technique allows the juice to be extracted gently and gradually, preserving the aromas and freshness of the grapes.

The estate favours natural vinification, with no added sulphites. The grapes are pressed whole, allowing the must to oxidise naturally to protect the juice. This approach, which respects both the environment and the fruit, guarantees the most authentic expression of the terroir.

The musts are then cold settled before being transferred to 600-litre oak barrels, where they are aged on their lees with indigenous yeasts. A small amount of sulphur is added when the barrels are filled to ensure optimum protection of the wine. Ageing continues for 12 months, allowing the wines to develop their full complexity and elegance.

The Messager-Germain family does not stir the lees. Two fermentations are enough to preserve the freshness and balance of the white wines. This approach retains the natural richness of the grapes while preserving their invigorating character.

For its white wines, the Famille Messager-Germain seeks out noble reduction, a distinctive signature that testifies to their authenticity and elegance. 

For red wines

The grapes are harvested by hand in small 15 kg crates, thus preserving the integrity of the bunches and avoiding any settling. Harvested at the best possible time, they undergo rigorous sorting at the estate to ensure that only the best fruit is selected, thus guaranteeing optimum quality right from the start of the winemaking process.

The grapes are not chilled, the estate preferring to harvest early in the morning or late in the evening to preserve all the freshness and aromatic complexity of the berries. They are destemmed, with up to 30% whole grapes depending on the vintage and appellation, to give the wines structure and character.

Cold pre-fermentation at 8°C is carried out for 5 to 8 days to help extract the aromas and tannins while preserving the freshness of the fruit. Fermentation is carried out using indigenous yeasts, with natural temperature rises, to give an authentic expression of the terroir.

The juices are delicately tasted every day, and no decisions are taken automatically. The winemaking process is kept to a minimum, with gentle pumping over to avoid excessive extraction of tannins. Devatting and pressing are carried out at the optimum moment, during tasting, to find the perfect balance for the wines.

After malolactic fermentation, a small amount of sulphur is added, followed by ageing for 12 months in 228-litre oak barrels. With a maximum of 30% new oak, the maturing process allows the wines to develop their full complexity and structure, while respecting the natural expression of the fruit.

• The Messager-Germain family vineyards

White wines

Côteaux Bourguignons Chardonnay

PLOT :

The grapes for this bottle come from the "En Malpertuis" plot in Couchey, a small village north of Fixin. The Chardonnay vines in this plot are 40 years old and were planted in clay-limestone and loam soil.

WINEMAKING : 

The grapes are hand-picked before undergoing a gentle, long pneumatic pressing, followed by 24 hours of settling. 30% of the harvest is placed in 1 or 2-wine barrels for fermentation, with the remainder in stainless steel vats. The wine is aged for 12 months on fine lees before being racked and blended. The wine is not filtered before bottling. Only 800 bottles are produced.

TASTING :

This white wine made from Chardonnay reveals a golden colour and generous tears. The nose expresses very present, greedy and exotic aromas. The palate is lively and floral with hints of citrus fruit. Barrel ageing will give it character.

Aging potential: 5-10 years.

Bourgogne Chardonnay

PLOT :

The 15-year-old vines are located on the "Ravry" parcel, which will shortly be reclassified as a Fixin village appellation.

The parcel is divided into 2 different soils:

- The bottom of the plot: generous clay.

- The top of the plot: more generous limestone soils. 

WINEMAKING : 

The grapes are harvested by hand before undergoing a gentle, long pneumatic pressing, followed by 24 hours of settling. 30% of the harvest is placed in 2-wine barrels for fermentation, with the remainder in stainless steel vats. The wine is aged for 12 months on fine lees before being racked and blended. The wine is not filtered before bottling. Only 950 bottles are produced.

TASTING :

This Bourgogne Chardonnay has an intense pale yellow colour. The nose is elegant, with generous notes of butter and pear pastries. The palate is long and sustained. The aromas, indicative of a sunny vintage, are refreshed by acidity controlled by the choice of harvest date. Barrel ageing supports these aromas. 

Ageing potential: 7-10 years.

Fixin Chardonnay

PLOT :

The 15-year-old vines are located on the "Les Treuils" parcel to the north of Fixin and are planted in clay-limestone soil with limestone predominating.

WINEMAKING : 

The grapes are harvested by hand before undergoing a gentle, long pneumatic pressing, followed by 24 hours of settling. The entire harvest is fermented in 600-litre demi-muids, which are 100% new but have been lightly toasted so as not to leave too much mark on the wine. The wine is aged for 12 months on fine lees before being racked and blended. The wine is not filtered before bottling. Only 800 bottles are produced.

TASTING :

This white wine, rare in the Fixin appellation, has a lovely golden colour. The nose reveals aromas of citrus fruit, lime, blood orange and a touch of toast. The palate is both rich and energetic. It has the same aromas as on the nose, but also a fine minerality and a subtle flinty aroma that give it great complexity.

A wine that can be drunk young for its freshness, but which will gain in complexity with age. A wine that deserves to be forgotten in the cellar for a few years.

Potential aging 20 years.

Red wines

Côteaux Bourguignons Pinot Noir

PLOT :

The grapes for this bottle come from the "En Malpertuis" plot in the commune of Couchey, a small village north of Fixin. The Pinot Noir vines in this plot are 40 years old and were planted in clay-limestone and silt soil. This is the same plot as for the Côteaux Bourguignon blanc, but this time the Chardonnay has been replaced by Pinot Noir.

WINEMAKING : 

The grapes are harvested by hand and 100% destemmed before being left in vats for 10 days. Light vinification to retain maximum fruit and light tannins. The wine is then matured for 12 months in 3-wine oak barrels before being racked and blended. The wine is not filtered before bottling. Only 400 bottles are produced.

TASTING :

This red wine made from Pinot Noir grapes has an intense red colour. The nose displays a range of wild berry aromas. The palate confirms the balance between freshness and delicacy, with notes of redcurrants, blackberries and raspberries.

Potential aging 5 to 7 years.

Bourgogne Pinot Noir

PLOT :

The vines planted 15 years ago are located on the Ravry and Potey plots, both in the commune of FIxin.

The lower part of Ravry is composed of clay. The top is more chalky. The soils of the Potey parcel are more generous, consisting of a layer of rich clay that does not suffer from drought. Beneath this layer of clay, which is about thirty centimetres thick, there is a layer of round limestone pebbles that provide natural drainage. 

WINEMAKING : 

The grapes are harvested by hand and partially de-stemmed, with 30% whole grapes to add freshness. Generous vinification with sustained extraction in stainless steel vats to add body. The wine is then matured for 12 months in 228-litre and 600-litre oak barrels before being racked and blended. The wine is not filtered before bottling. This is the estate's largest cuvée, with a production of 3,000 bottles.

TASTING :

This Bourgogne Pinot Noir has an intense ruby red colour. The nose reveals greedy red fruit notes such as black cherry, raspberry and blackberry. On the palate, the fine ageing sublimates the fruit and the whole bunch brings great freshness to this warm vintage. An elegant wine.

Potential aging 12 years.

Fixin Pinot Noir

PLOT :

The 45-year-old vines are located on the "Les Treuils" plot to the north of Fixin. They are planted in clay-limestone soil, with limestone predominating.

WINEMAKING : 

The grapes are harvested by hand and partially destemmed, with 30% whole grapes to add freshness. Complex, delicate and deep vinification. The wine is then matured for 12 months in oak barrels, 30% of which are new, before being racked and blended. The wine is not filtered before bottling. Only 500 bottles are produced.

TASTING :

This wine has a beautiful deep, intense red colour. The nose reveals aromas of black cherries, typical of the Fixin appellation, as well as blackberries and black berries. The palate is generous and fresh at the same time. It confirms the nose. The whole bunch of grapes adds complexity and depth to the aromas, as well as intensity on the finish. Its structure promises good ageing potential.

Aging potential 20 years.

Négoce 2023

From the 2023 vintage onwards, the Famille Messager-Germain estate will be incorporating a trading section to complete its range of Côtes de Nuits wines, but also for the pleasure of working with other appellations. For the next vintage, you will find the following appellations:

- Côte-de-Nuits "Les Chaillots

- Nuits-Saint-Georges "Les Herbues

- Gevrey-Chambertin "Les Meix Bas

- Morey-Saint-Denis "En Pierre Virant".

• A word about ageing wines

The estate's Coteaux Bourguignons and Bourgognes are easy to drink in their early years. They reveal all their freshness and fruitiness as soon as you open the bottle, offering a pleasant and immediate tasting experience.

For Fixin wines, we recommend that you leave your bottles to age for a few years in the cellar to reveal their full potential. If you choose to taste them in their early years, we recommend opening the bottle 30 minutes before tasting to allow the wine to air out, and serving it at a temperature of 17°C to appreciate all its subtleties.

The ageing of Domaine Famille Messager-Germain wines is a promise of future pleasure. By patiently allowing your bottles to mature in the cellar, you can be sure of tasting wines of exceptional quality, bearing witness to the expertise and passion of the Messager-Germain family. Even after 10 years in the cellar, Fixin wines will always be fresh, elegant and fine. 

  DISCOVER THE MESSAGER-GERMAIN FAMILY WINES

The entire Wvine team would like to thank the Messager-Germain family for their trust!

READ OUR ARTICLE ON THE 2022 VINTAGE FROM THE MESSAGER-GERMAIN FAMILY