Domaine de la Cras is one of Burgundy’s most distinctive modern estates, located in Plombières-lès-Dijon, just outside the city of Dijon. The domaine was created in 2013 when the city of Dijon acquired the historic Clos de la Cras vineyard and entrusted it to young vigneron Marc Soyard to restore the site and demonstrate the potential of Dijon’s overlooked wine terroir. The project was designed to preserve agricultural land while reviving viticulture in an area that had largely disappeared from Burgundy’s wine map.

Marc Soyard, who previously worked with respected Burgundy producers, farms the vineyards according to organic principles, with a strong emphasis on biodiversity, low intervention and expressing the character of each parcel. Domaine de la Cras has gained attention among Burgundy enthusiasts because it produces wines from the newly recognised Bourgogne Coteaux de Dijon appellation, an area with limestone-rich soils and historic links to Burgundy’s early wine culture. The estate’s wines are produced in small quantities and have developed a strong following for their purity, energy and distinctive sense of place.

The 2019 Domaine de la Cras Bourgogne Coteaux de Dijon Rouge is made from 100% Pinot Noir grown on limestone soils around Dijon. The vineyard benefits from south-facing slopes and elevated sites, giving the grapes excellent sunlight exposure while maintaining freshness through Burgundy’s cooler climate influences. The wine is produced with a minimalist approach, focusing on preserving the natural expression of the fruit and terroir.

The 2019 vintage expresses the warmth and generosity of the year while retaining the freshness expected from Burgundy. The wine displays aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, red cherry and black plum, combined with earthy nuances of chalk, forest floor, mushroom and subtle smoke. On the palate, it offers a silky texture, bright acidity and fine tannins, with a savoury mineral finish. Compared with more traditional Bourgogne Rouge, Domaine de la Cras delivers greater depth and individuality, reflecting the character of its limestone slopes and high-altitude vineyards.