The Domaine Philippe Garrey Story
2021 marks our second vintage working with Philippe Garrey, a sixth generation ‘vigneron’ who has developed his family domaine from 3 to 5ha since taking it over in 2005. Finding a new source of great wine, especially in Burgundy where almost everyone good has been snapped up by prospecting importers, is a great challenge. New growers have come to us in the past through lucky accident so to be able to credit an internet search with the initial contact with Philippe Garrey is a new one!
Philippe farms everything himself, biodynamically since 2007 and certified with Demeter since 2010. His aim is to make wines which reflect the terroir. He is not looking for power or extraction; for him, balance is crucial, often picking early favouring freshness over too much concentration.
Philippe is a calm, considered guy. He speaks carefully and articulately in good English. His wines follow a similar line of character – precise, well-crafted, and elegant. He is also a keen follower of Arsenal FC, which makes a welcome change from all the rugby nuts we come across.
Domaine Philippe Garrey Wines
Philippe makes some Aligoté and has a half hectare of Chardonnay for a Mercurey Blanc, both of which are vinified and matured in 250 litre ceramic barrels, though the estate is primarily focused on red wines.
Grapes are hand-picked and fermented with natural yeasts only. Whole bunches are used regularly depending on the vintage and cuvee. The reds age in barrel for 12 months, and new oak (lightly toasted) is used sensitively at 10% – 50% depending on the cuvée. Vines are old.
Mercurey Blanc La Chagnée is a 0.4 hectare parcel of 30 year vines on a steep, south-facing limestone slope. Fresh and aromatic, with a light phenolic touch and an attractiveness richness.
Bourgogne Rouge Clos des Boilles is a blend of parcels 50, 23 and 8 years old – a Bourgogne Rouge with deep colour, a rich nose and exceptional mouth perfume. Fresh crunchy fruit.
Mercurey Premier Cru Clos des Montaigues. These vines were planted in 1959, along an east-facing slope of limestone. Energetic and dense, more mineral and spice than fruit.
Mercurey Premier Cru La Chassière – from a south-east facing vineyard of limestone over clay with vines aged 60, 40 and 35 years. It is more supple on attack, the finish firm and dry.
Mercurey Premier Cru Clos du Paradis. 60 year old vines, on marl and clay. Notes of cassis and cherry with a voluptuous attack and a firm structure behind. Wonderfully perfumed!
White
| Description |
|---|
| Mercurey Blanc, La Chagnee |
Red
| Description |
|---|
| Bourgogne Rouge, Clos des Boilles |
| Mercurey 1er Cru, Clos de Montaigu |
| Mercurey 1er Cru, La Chassiere |
| Mercurey 1er Cru, Clos du Paradis |