Domaine Changarnier

Domaine Changarnier sits in Monthélie, the village between Volnay and Meursault, with five hectares of certified organic vineyards. Brothers Claude and Antoine took over a domaine their family has owned since 1720, and since 2004 have built a modern reputation on sustainable viticulture and mineral, elegant wines. Their whites are fresh and textured; their reds are refined with grainy tannins and balance. If you want Burgundy that tastes of place rather than new oak, this is the domaine to explore.

About Domaine Changarnier

The Changarnier brothers inherited a family estate with deep roots—their ancestors acquired it in 1720—but the domaine as it stands today is their creation. Since taking control in 2004, Claude and Antoine have pursued a philosophy of sustainable viticulture that prioritises the expression of their terroir. In 2019, they achieved organic certification, and their commitment runs deeper than paperwork: all vineyard work is manual, and they use horses to plough between rows, a practice that prevents soil compaction and preserves the soil structure that gives their wines their signature freshness.

Their winemaking approach reflects this same restraint. The whites employ a measured use of oak, with only between 10–20% in new barrels while larger foudres and amphorae are favoured for ageing, emphasising terroir over barrel influence. The reds undergo gentle extraction—whole bunch fermentation is used selectively—to preserve the vibrant red fruit notes and supple tannins that characterise the domaine's house style. Monthélie itself sits at 365 metres elevation on white clay and limestone soils; the steep lieu-dits around the village, particularly Pierrefitte just across from Volnay's 1er Cru vineyards, produce wines of remarkable freshness and complexity.

Domaine Changarnier Wines in Our Collection

The 2023 Monthélie Blanc (90pts) comes from 25-year-old vines on white clay soils and is partially fermented in sandstone amphorae before ageing in amphorae, 500-litre barrels, and Stockinger foudres. Expect vibrant citrus and fresh acidity—a wine that is immediately drinkable but will age. The 2022 Monthélie Blanc Le Clos (91pts) is from a walled garden plot and offers more richness alongside lemony acidity; it has the weight and complexity you might find in a Meursault.

For reds, the 2023 Monthélie Pierrefitte (90pts) is sourced from a steep vineyard just across from Volnay 1er Cru at 325 metres elevation. 30% whole bunch fermentation and gentle extraction preserve its sense of place: vibrant red fruit with fine tannins and palpable freshness. The 2023 Monthélie 1er Cru Meix Bataille (91pts) comes from 45-year-old vines on deeper limestone clay and steps up notably in structure—displaying the darker fruit intensity and firm tannin grip characteristic of Pommard.

Food Pairing

The whites work beautifully with seafood, soft cheeses, and vegetable-forward dishes—think seared scallops, grilled sole, or creamy mushroom risotto. The Pierrefitte red, with its vibrant fruit and freshness, suits roasted chicken, lighter game, and charcuterie. The Meix Bataille, richer and more structured, calls for deeper flavours: beef stews, duck, hard cheeses, or cooked charcuterie. Both reds are elegant enough to drink without food, or to sit beside a simple supper without dominating it.

What makes Domaine Changarnier different from other Monthélie producers?

They're certified organic since 2019, use horses for ploughing to prevent soil compaction, and restrict new oak to 10–20%. This focus on sustainable viticulture and minimal intervention preserves the freshness and mineral character of their site.

How long will the white wines age?

Both the Monthélie Blanc and Le Clos are built for ageing despite their immediate accessibility. The mineral acidity and restrained oak use support developing complexity over several years.

Are the reds similar to Volnay or Pommard?

Pierrefitte sits just across from Volnay 1er Cru and shares its freshness and crunchy red fruit. Meix Bataille, from deeper limestone soils and older vines, is richer and more akin to a Pommard in power and structure.

Who makes Domaine Changarnier wines?

Brothers Claude and Antoine Changarnier run the domaine in Monthélie, Burgundy. Their family has owned the estate since 1720; the brothers took control in 2004 and built its modern reputation on organic, sustainable viticulture.

What style of wine does Domaine Changarnier make?

They make Burgundy reds and whites from Monthélie. Reds are refined with fine tannins and vibrant fruit; whites are fresh and textured. Critics score them 90–91 points for their mineral, terroir-driven character with minimal new oak influence.

How much does Domaine Changarnier wine cost?

Domaine Changarnier wines range between £46 and £53. Whites and entry reds sit around £46–48; their Premier Cru and top whites reach £52–53.