A New Dawn in Burgundy: Artémis Domaines Redefines the Legacy of Bouchard Père & Fils
With the creation of Domaine des Cabottes, Frédéric Engerer and the Pinault family’s wine group embark on a bold transformation rooted in terroir, precision, and patience.
When Artémis Domaines, the wine division of François Pinault’s family holdings, took over Bouchard Père & Fils in 2022, it marked the beginning of one of Burgundy’s most ambitious transformations. The historic Beaune-based house, founded in 1731, has now been reshaped into two complementary entities: Domaine des Cabottes, a new 35-hectare estate dedicated to biodynamic viticulture, and a renewed Maison Bouchard Père & Fils, focused on its traditional role as a leading négociant.
This division reflects a shift in philosophy. Bouchard Père & Fils, long admired for its vast portfolio of crus, is now balanced by a smaller, terroir-focused counterpart. The goal is to bring coherence, craftsmanship, and depth to a domain that spans from Gevrey-Chambertin Les Cazetiers in the north to Montrachet in the south—a patchwork of more than a hundred hectares and over 110 parcels.
From Scale to Precision
Managing such extensive holdings organically posed significant challenges. The climatic contrasts between the Côte de Nuits and the Côte de Beaune make it difficult to respond with the agility that sustainable viticulture demands. Dividing the estate allows each team to focus on the specific needs of their vines with greater precision, attention, and respect for the rhythm of nature.
This restructuring also brings a cultural shift. Artémis Domaines has long been known for its exacting standards, with estates like Château Latour, Clos de Tart, Château-Grillet, and Domaine d’Eugénie setting benchmarks for excellence. The same philosophy now extends to Burgundy’s heartland, blending long-term vision with meticulous vineyard management.
The Creation of Domaine des Cabottes
Domaine des Cabottes gathers 35 hectares of some of the most expressive vineyards from the Bouchard heritage, including Chevalier-Montrachet, Corton-Charlemagne, Volnay Caillerets, and the legendary Beaune Grèves “Vigne de l’Enfant Jésus.” Each site has been chosen for its distinctive identity and storytelling potential.
The estate will be fully biodynamic by 2026. All vineyard workers have been trained in sap-flow pruning, and parcels will now rest up to six years before replanting, allowing the soils to recover naturally. Ambitious massal selections from old vines in Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet, and Meursault Perrières are being used to preserve heritage and genetic diversity.
This is not a pursuit of prestige for its own sake, but of harmony between vine, soil, and time.
The Future at Puligny-Montrachet
While production currently continues at the large Savigny-lès-Beaune winery, a new facility is being developed in Puligny-Montrachet to become the spiritual home of Domaine des Cabottes. The design emphasizes calm, precision, and environmental responsibility. The site aims to achieve HQE (Haute Qualité Environnementale) certification and will integrate naturally into the village landscape.
The new rhythm of winemaking prioritizes patience over haste. Barrel ageing will be extended, with releases planned for the third year instead of the second. Every step, from wood selection to bottling, is being reconsidered to enhance balance and texture.
Completion of the Puligny-Montrachet site is targeted for 2027, marking the start of a new chapter for the estate.
The Meaning Behind “Les Cabottes”
In Burgundy, a cabotte is a small stone hut built in the vineyards—once a place of shelter for vignerons, now a symbol of connection to the land. The name Domaine des Cabottes captures that spirit: humility, protection, and rootedness in terroir.
Even the estate’s logo reflects this symbolism, showing a cabotte from above, blending tradition with modern identity. It stands as a reminder that true progress in Burgundy is built on respect for what came before.
The 2023 Vintage: A Beginning
The first wines to bear the Domaine des Cabottes label come from the 2023 vintage, which will reach the market in early 2026. This marks the first full expression of the Artémis Domaines philosophy in Burgundy: combining advanced viticultural research, biodynamic methods, and uncompromising standards of quality.
Alongside its grand crus, the estate will also maintain a commitment to accessible wines, such as Savigny-lès-Beaune Premier Cru Les Lavières, reflecting the belief that excellence should not be reserved for the few.
Continuity and Renewal
Rather than a simple division, the restructuring of Bouchard Père & Fils represents a balance between heritage and innovation. The traditional house continues its historic role, while Domaine des Cabottes becomes a laboratory for precision, sustainability, and the future of fine Burgundy.
Together, they embody a new kind of duality—where one honors tradition, and the other redefines it.