Clos saint Jacques 2018 Armand Rousseau

See all products of Armand Rousseau

Origins and Foundation

Domaine Armand Rousseau is one of the most iconic wineries in Burgundy, a symbol of excellence and tradition in Pinot Noir production. The domaine’s history dates back to the early 20th century, when Armand Rousseau, born in 1884, inherited vineyards in Gevrey-Chambertin and began expanding his estate by purchasing parcels in some of the most prestigious vineyards of the Côte de Nuits.

Initially working as a grape grower and wine merchant, Rousseau soon realized the importance of vinifying and bottling his own wines. In the 1920s, he was among the first to break away from the local tradition of bulk wine sales, choosing instead to bottle and sell his wines directly—a crucial step in establishing Domaine Armand Rousseau as one of Burgundy’s elite producers.

Expansion and Recognition

Thanks to his visionary approach and meticulous vineyard management, Armand Rousseau acquired plots in some of the region’s most renowned vineyards, including Clos de la Roche, Charmes-Chambertin, and Chambertin. However, his most significant purchase came in 1921, when he secured part of the prestigious Chambertin Grand Cru, followed by additional acquisitions in Chambertin-Clos de Bèze in the following years.

By the 1930s, the domaine had cemented its reputation both in France and abroad, becoming highly sought after by wine enthusiasts. Armand’s son, Charles Rousseau, joined the family business after World War II, continuing the tradition with a steadfast commitment to excellence and consistency.

Generational Transition and Evolution

Upon Armand Rousseau’s passing in 1959, his son Charles took over, bringing his expertise in oenology to further enhance the domaine’s reputation. Under his leadership, Domaine Armand Rousseau expanded its global presence, attracting collectors and connoisseurs worldwide.

Over the following decades, the domaine continued acquiring additional parcels in the finest Grand Crus of the Côte de Nuits. Charles Rousseau maintained a traditional yet innovation-friendly approach, ensuring a winemaking style that emphasized elegance and terroir purity.

Winemaking Philosophy

Domaine Armand Rousseau is known for its commitment to respecting terroir and a low-intervention winemaking philosophy. Vineyard practices follow sustainable agriculture principles, avoiding excessive chemical use and favoring a reasoned viticulture approach. The wines ferment with indigenous yeasts, and aging occurs in French oak barrels, where the wood is carefully managed to enhance, rather than overshadow, the delicate characteristics of Burgundy’s Pinot Noir.

The result is a collection of wines with extraordinary elegance, finesse, and complexity, capable of evolving beautifully over time and expressing the unique traits of each parcel.

Present and Future

Today, the domaine is led by Éric Rousseau, grandson of the founder, who continues to uphold the family’s traditional philosophy with a strong focus on terroir expression. Under his guidance, Domaine Armand Rousseau has solidified its status as one of Burgundy’s most prestigious and respected producers, with wines that fetch record prices at international auctions and are highly coveted by collectors worldwide.

Through a combination of expertise, passion, and an exceptional terroir, Domaine Armand Rousseau remains a benchmark for Pinot Noir and Burgundy enthusiasts.