Domaine Dujac

In the world of Burgundy, where every vineyard tells its own story and every bottle carries the echo of centuries-old traditions, Domaine Dujac occupies a special place. Since it was founded in 1967 by Jacques Seysses, the winery has become one of the most important addresses in the region - not through loud marketing strategies, but through quiet devotion to the terroir and an unmistakable philosophy that combines elegance with depth. Dujac's wines are not mere drinks; they are time capsules that carry the spirit of a vintage, the soul of a place and the passion of a winemaker.

Banker becomes winemaker

Jacques Seysses, a man who originally had a completely different vocation - he worked in banking - discovered his love of wine while travelling through Burgundy. Fascinated by the complexity of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, he decided to dedicate his life to winemaking. The purchase of the Domaine Graillet vineyard in Morey-Saint-Denis marked the beginning of an era. Seysses renamed it Domaine Dujac - a tribute to his wife, whose nickname was "Dujac". What followed was a revolution on a small scale: Jacques introduced methods that were unusual at the time, but are considered groundbreaking today.

From the very beginning, Dujac focussed on a gentle, terroir-oriented approach. The grapes are harvested by hand, a practice that is laborious but ensures the best quality. Fermentation takes place with natural yeasts, a process that requires patience as it cannot be accelerated. The use of new oak barrels is deliberately kept moderate so as not to mask the flavour of the wine, but to accompany it. This philosophy is reflected in every glass: Dujac's wines are not opulent or overpowering, but possess a subtle complexity that only reveals itself fully with time.

Outstanding sites - Grand Cru's in perfection

Dujac's Grand Cru vineyards - including Clos de la Roche, Clos Saint-Denis and Échezeaux - are legendary among wine lovers. The Clos de la Roche, for example, one of the most prestigious parcels in Burgundy, produces wines under the hand of Dujac that combine power and finesse in perfect harmony. Dark cherries, violets, fine spices and a mineral undercurrent characterise this wine, which reveals its true greatness after years of ageing in the bottle. However, it is not only the Grand Crus that inspire; the Premier Cru and Village wines from Dujac also stand for a rare balance between accessibility and depth. The Morey-Saint-Denis, often recommended as an introduction to the world of Dujac, shows how even a supposedly "simple" wine from this estate can bear an unmistakable signature.

Conversion to organic cultivation methods

A decisive turning point in the history of the Domaine was the conversion to organic and later biodynamic cultivation methods. Jeremy Seysses, Jacques' son, who has been in charge since the early 2000s, was the driving force behind this development. For him, respect for the soil and the vines is not a trend, but a necessity. "We are not winegrowers, we are gardeners," he often says. This attitude characterises the wines: they are lively, almost pulsating, as if they breathe the breath of the earth.

Rare but outstanding white wines

Dujac's white wines, although less well-known than the reds, are just as fascinating. The Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatières, a Premier Cru of breathtaking precision, combines flavours of white peach, almond blossom and a salty minerality typical of the great Chardonnays of Burgundy. Dujac's white wines are aged longer in barrel than many other producers, which gives them additional depth of texture without sacrificing their freshness.

What sets Dujac apart from many other top domains is the humility with which the Seysses family works. Despite its immense success - the wines are among the most sought-after in the world and regularly achieve record prices at auctions - the winery remains surprisingly down-to-earth. There are no ostentatious cellars, no overloaded labels, no artificially scarce quantities. Instead, there is a quiet conviction that great wine is not made, but accompanied.

Future prospects under Jeremy Seysses

The future of the domaine seems secure. Jeremy Seysses is continuing his father's legacy with the same passion, but without slavishly clinging to tradition. Experiments with reduced sulphur addition, longer maceration times and alternative barrel sizes show that Dujac is still prepared to break new ground - always in the service of the wine, never for the sake of fashion.

Conclusion

In the end, Domaine Dujac is more than a winery; it is a philosophy in bottles. Its wines tell of the beauty of Burgundy, of the patience that great things require and of the conviction that true greatness does not have to be loud. In a world that often craves quick gratification and spectacular effects, Dujac's creations remind us that the deepest pleasures are often the quietest.