Domaine Sérafin Père et Fils Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Le Fonteny 2018

Winery Background and History

Domaine Sérafin Père et Fils, established in 1947 by Polish émigré Stanislas Sérafin, is a family-run estate located in Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy. Initially a mason, Stanislas transitioned to viticulture, laying the foundation for the domaine. His son, Christian Sérafin, took over in 1988, having already been involved in winemaking for two decades. Under Christian’s stewardship, the estate gained a reputation for producing powerful, long-lived Pinot Noirs. Today, the legacy continues with Christian’s daughter, Karine, and niece, Frédérique Goulley, ensuring the domaine’s traditions and quality endure.

Producer and Winemaker

Christian Sérafin has been the driving force behind the domaine’s acclaim, known for his meticulous approach and dedication to traditional Burgundian methods. His commitment to low yields, old vines, and minimal intervention has resulted in wines of remarkable depth and aging potential. Assisting him is his niece, Frédérique Goulley, who has been working alongside Christian for over a decade. Together, they maintain the estate’s philosophy, producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of Gevrey-Chambertin.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The Le Fonteny vineyard, classified as Premier Cru, is situated just below the Grand Cru Ruchottes-Chambertin in Gevrey-Chambertin. Planted with 62-year-old vines, the vineyard benefits from an east-west exposure, maximizing sunlight throughout the day. The rocky soils contribute to low yields of small, concentrated grapes, resulting in wines that balance power with finesse. The microclimate, characterized by cool nights and warm days, ensures optimal ripening while preserving acidity.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Grapes are hand-harvested and undergo a cool ten-day maceration to extract color and flavor. Approximately 70% of the bunches are destemmed. Fermentation occurs at relatively high temperatures, followed by aging in 100% new oak barrels for 18 months. The wines are bottled without filtration, preserving their natural character and structure.

Tasting Notes

The 2018 Le Fonteny exhibits a dramatic bouquet of cherries, cassis, burning embers, dark chocolate, and spices. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, supple, and succulent, with rich structuring tannins cloaked in ripe yet lively fruit. The wine showcases the power of Gevrey-Chambertin, balanced by a subtle hint of black olive and liquorice, culminating in a brooding sense of complexity and great length.

Food & Wine Pairing

This wine pairs excellently with rich meats such as beef, lamb, and game. Dishes like ribeye steak with Béarnaise sauce, duck with cherries, or smoked venison with parsnip purée and salt-baked beetroot complement its robust structure and complex flavors. Aged cheeses like Comté also make a harmonious pairing.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve this wine at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and texture. Decanting for 1–2 hours before serving is recommended to allow the wine to open up and reveal its full bouquet and flavor profile. Use large Burgundy glasses to enhance the tasting experience.

Storage and Aging Potential

The 2018 Le Fonteny has the structure and concentration to age gracefully for 10–15 years. Proper cellaring conditions—cool, dark, and with consistent temperature—will allow the wine to develop additional complexity and depth over time, revealing nuanced flavors and aromas.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

• 100% Pinot Noir

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

• 13.5%

Scores

• Wine Advocate: 90/100

• Jasper Morris (Inside Burgundy): 91–94/100