Domaine Gros Frère et Sœur: Family Heritage and Viticultural Excellence in Burgundy

A Rich and Passionate Family History

The history of Gros Frère et Sœur Estate dates back to the early 19th century when the Gros family settled in Vosne-Romanée, one of Burgundy’s most esteemed wine regions. In 1963, following the division of Domaine Louis Gros, siblings Gustave and Colette combined their inheritances to create Domaine Gros Frère et Sœur. After Gustave's passing in 1984, his nephew Bernard Gros took over the estate, replanting vineyards and expanding the property to its current 20 hectares. Today, Bernard, together with his son Vincent, continues to uphold the family’s winemaking traditions while incorporating modern techniques.

A Prestigious Vineyard in the Heart of Côte de Nuits

Gros Frère et Sœur Estate spans 20 hectares, including 3 hectares dedicated to white grape varieties. The vineyard boasts some of Burgundy’s most renowned Grand Crus, including Clos de Vougeot, Échezeaux, Grands Échezeaux, and Richebourg. Additionally, the estate owns six Premier Crus, such as Nuits-Saint-Georges Les Cras and Vosne-Romanée Premier Crus Les Chaumes and Les Suchots. This exceptional diversity of terroirs allows the estate to craft wines that perfectly express the complexity and elegance of Burgundy.

Sustainable Viticulture and Respect for the Environment

Committed to preserving its remarkable heritage, Gros Frère et Sœur employs sustainable viticultural practices. The estate follows a meticulous approach to vineyard management, limiting yields to enhance concentration and purity in the wines. Winter pruning ensures that only eight buds remain per vine, while green harvesting further refines grape selection. Leaf thinning is conducted on the eastern side of the rows to improve airflow, reducing the risk of disease and ensuring optimal ripening conditions.

Precision Winemaking for Exceptional Wines

After manual harvesting and careful grape selection, the vinification process begins with complete destemming to ensure smooth tannin extraction. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled concrete vats, with pre-fermentation pump-overs followed by twice-daily punch-downs to achieve optimal extraction of color, tannins, and aromas. The wines are then aged in oak barrels, with a precise selection of new oak: 100% for Grand Crus and 50% for Premier Crus. Bernard Gros personally selects the barrels, ensuring the right balance between oak influence and the preservation of the wine’s natural fruit profile.

Wines of Refinement and Longevity

The wines of Gros Frère et Sœur Estate are celebrated for their richness, elegance, and remarkable aging potential. The Grand Crus, such as Richebourg and Clos de Vougeot, display deep complexity, combining ripe black fruit, spice, and earthy undertones with finely structured tannins. The Premier Crus and village-level wines express their terroirs with precision, offering vibrant red fruit aromas, floral notes, and a silky texture. These outstanding wines are sought after by collectors and connoisseurs worldwide, reinforcing the estate’s reputation as a leading name in Burgundy.

A Global Reputation for Excellence

Over the years, Gros Frère et Sœur Estate has established itself as a benchmark for Burgundy wines, combining traditional savoir-faire with innovative techniques. The estate’s commitment to producing wines of unparalleled finesse has earned it a loyal following among top sommeliers, collectors, and fine wine enthusiasts worldwide. With Vincent Gros gradually taking on a more significant role, the estate continues its quest for excellence, ensuring that future generations will carry on this extraordinary winemaking legacy.