During our recent visit to Domaine Pierre Thibert in Corgoloin, we had the opportunity to sit down with Arthur and Mathilde Thibert to discuss the past, present, and future of their family-run estate. Below is a candid interview where Arthur shares insights into their winemaking philosophy, the evolution of the domaine, and what it means to carry on the family legacy in one of Burgundy’s lesser-known but equally compelling appellations.
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When and how did Domaine Pierre Thibert start?
Domaine Pierre Thibert was created in 1989 by Pierre Thibert. His wife Aline is a joint collaborator on the farm. The plots located in Nuits-St-Georges belonged to Pierre's grandfather, while other plots were purchased by Pierre or rented. The plots in Beaune were acquired by Arthur. In 2018, the Domaine was incorporated into a company in which Arthur and Pierre are partners.
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When did Arthur take over winemaking? And when did Mathilde get involved in the winery and what is her role?
Arthur started winemaking in 2017 and officially became Pierre's partner in 2018. Mathilde has worked in the wine industry since 2018 and has participated in the marketing of the Domaine's wines since 2022. She also had the opportunity to intern in San Francisco.
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What has changed in the winery since you took over control from your parents?
In 2016, the construction of a vat room and a storage room began, with the first vinification taking place there in 2017. With Arthur's arrival, the domaine invested in new equipment for receiving the harvest, stainless steel vinification vats, and a press. They also decided to use biocontrol products for vine treatments and replant certain plots.
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How would you define your winemaking style?
"The priority for good winemaking is to have perfectly ripe grapes and a very good health. Then we must follow the fermentation very carefully in order to get the most out of our grapes," Arthur explains.
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What's your opinion of Côte de Nuits Villages wines? Do you think it’s an underrated appellation?
"I don't think that the Côte de Nuits Villages appellation is underestimated but above all that it lacks visibility. Consumers of Côte de Nuits Villages are great wine lovers and are well aware of the great qualities of this appellation."
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Do you think Corgoloin should have its own appellation? How would you describe the terroir and micro-climate?
"The Côte de Nuits Villages appellation, which we share with the villages of Comblanchien and Premeaux Prissey, is starting to establish itself in the world of wine. However, it would be nice to see some climates become 1er Cru."
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Who's your biggest influence when it comes to winemaking?
"I like several styles of wines but I appreciate wines that are on the fruit while presenting a nice length in the mouth and a certain aromatic complexity. I don't have a single reference."
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Are you a believer in good or bad vintages?
"It's hard to say, but some vintages with little sunshine can produce great wines. It is easier to make great wine in certain vintages, especially when the climate allows full grape maturity and optimal harvest conditions. The goal is to highlight the strengths of each vintage."
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What's the key to making great wine in Burgundy nowadays?
"Adaptation is a very important quality. You have to be observant, analyze what you do well and what you could do better. There are surely many other doors to open to make great wines that I will discover over the years."
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What's the biggest challenge for small/family-owned wineries in Burgundy today?
"Succession is a challenge for small estates as well as large ones. We are also impacted by the rising costs of equipment, which are difficult to finance with our small surface areas."
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How would you describe the 2022, 2023, and 2024 vintages?
"2022 was a perfect year, with excellent climatic conditions leading to perfectly balanced wines. 2023 followed suit with more generous yields but slightly lower aging potential. 2024, however, was one of the smallest harvests in the history of the Domaine, and the wines are currently aging."
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What do you think of having your wines in Miami?
"We are always very happy to see our wines distributed around the world. For us, Miami represents the dream, the sun, the joy of living, and it is very good news for us to be represented there thanks to you."
If this story sparked interest. Here are some of the wines we currently have in stock from this producer online and in store:
- Pierre Thibert - Beaune 'Clos Montée Rouge' Blanc 2022
- Pierre Thibert - Côte des Nuits Villages 2022
- Pierre Thibert - Nuits St. Georges ' La Petite Charmotte' 2023
- Pierre Thibert - Beaune 1er Cru 'Les Teurons' 2022
- Pierre Thibert - Nuits St. Georges 1er Crub 'Rue de Chaux' 2022
Pictures from when we visited the Domaine on February 2024.
