Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru En France "Clos de... 2022
Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru Au Vignerais 2022
Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru Sur La Roche 2022
Mâcon La Roche Vineuse Blanc 'Vieilles... 2022
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92
Saint-Véran "La Côte-Rotie" 2020
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90
Mâcon La Roche Vineuse Blanc 'Vieilles... 2020
Bourgogne Chardonnay 2021
Bourgogne Pinot Noir "Les Cras" 2022
Saint-Véran "Le Grand Bussière" 2022
Saint-Véran 2022
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92
Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru Au Vignerais 2021
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92
Pouilly-Fuissé 2021
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90
Saint-Véran "En Crèche" 2020
Bourgogne Chardonnay 2022
An Inspiring Journey and a Winemaker’s Vision
Olivier Merlin did not inherit a vineyard, but he built his winemaking destiny through passion and hands-on experience. After studying oenology, he immersed himself in the wine world by working in California, where he discovered a more flexible and innovative approach to vinification. Upon returning to Burgundy, he seized the opportunity to take over an estate in La Roche-Vineuse in 1987, together with his wife Corinne. Through meticulous craftsmanship and dedication, they transformed it into one of the most respected estates in Mâconnais, championing artisanal and precise winemaking.
A High-Altitude Terroir and an Ecological Approach
Located in southern Burgundy, Domaine Olivier Merlin's vineyards stretch across well-exposed slopes, benefiting from a microclimate that allows for slow and steady grape ripening. The clay-limestone soils, rich in minerals, impart elegant structure and aromatic depth to the wines. Aware of environmental challenges, Olivier Merlin practices organic viticulture (not certified), eliminating herbicides and minimizing chemical inputs. The vineyards are plowed, and natural grass cover is encouraged to maintain soil biodiversity.
Signature Cuvées Showcasing the Mâconnais
The estate produces a diverse range of wines, each faithfully reflecting its terroir of origin. Among the whites, the Pouilly-Fuissé and Saint-Véran cuvées captivate with their tension and aromatic richness, offering notes of white fruits, flowers, and a crisp minerality. The Mâcon-La Roche Vineuse, a signature wine of the estate, is vibrant, pure, and accessible. In reds, Olivier Merlin elevates Gamay with structured and deep expressions in Moulin-à-Vent and Saint-Amour, proving that Beaujolais can produce age-worthy wines.
Precision Winemaking and Thoughtful Aging
In the cellar, Olivier Merlin cultivates the art of patience and respect for the fruit. Grapes are hand-harvested and meticulously sorted before being pressed in whole clusters to preserve freshness. Fermentations are carried out with indigenous yeasts, allowing the wines to fully express their terroir's complexity. Aging takes place in oak barrels, with a restrained use of new wood to avoid overshadowing the wine’s character. This minimalist approach, where every intervention is carefully considered, ensures wines that are precise, structured, and deeply expressive.
International Recognition and a Family Legacy
After more than three decades of dedication, the estate has become a benchmark in Mâconnais winemaking. Its wines appeal to both enthusiasts and critics and are featured on the wine lists of top restaurants worldwide. Today, the next generation is gradually taking part in the adventure: Olivier and Corinne’s sons, Paul and Théo, are actively involved in winemaking, bringing a fresh and modern perspective to the estate's management. This transmission of knowledge and expertise ensures the continued elevation of Mâconnais wines to the highest levels of quality and recognition.
