La Chaume des Lies is a brand new domaine, created in 2021 by Margaux Rivaux and Lothar Galloo. I was lucky enough to discover them at the start of their journey, and obtain a small allocation from their first vintage, which is extremely impressive to say the least! Those that jump onboard now will be given priority to the 2022's when they arrive next year, which will include some other cuvées such as Saint-Aubin, Hautes-Côtes de Beaune and Coteaux Bourguignons.

This lovely, smiley couple met in 2018 at Maison en Belles Lies, where they worked for Pierre Fenals. Margaux had studied and worked in wine before, and had been working with Pierre and learning about biodynamics since 2016. Lothar had studied wine, as well as learnt how to grow vegetables and plants through his parents, who are organic farmers. He also did internships with Bruno Schueller in Alsace, and with Didier Barral in the Languedoc. Finally with all this experience, they decided it was time to take the plunge and start their own project.
 
They began by renting 2.5ha of parcels across Saint-Aubin, Auxey-Duresses, Bouzeron and Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, as well as 2ha in Beaujolais. Farming all parcels themselves without the use of herbicides or pesticides, they practice biodynamics, making preparations with friends Dominique Derain and David Didon.
 
After searching far and wide for a cellar (very difficult in Burgundy now with prices the way they are), they found themselves in Baubigny, a small commune just south of Saint-Romain. They live here in a picturesque setting, and the underground cellar is really quite incredible. They have many plans to renovate and restore the property – once they find the time. Indeed, they have quite a full plate already, farming their own plots in Burgundy and Beaujolais, as well as still helping Pierre at Maison en Belles Lies. One step at a time!
 
For their first vintage at the newly created domaine, the wines are really impressive. 2021 was a cooler vintage, and so the wines are fresh and spritely. It was a smaller harvest in thanks to frost, hail and rain, but the quality is excellent. This lovely couple have hit the ground running, creating wines that are vibrant and full of energy. This is new age Burgundy at its finest. A great start, and a promising future!