Domaine Derain is a biodynamic producer in Burgundy with vines in a number of different Burgundian appellations. Understanding where Domaine Derain is at requires a bit of reading, but hang in here and we will try to explain what has happened and how we are involved.
Dominique Derain started his career making wine barrels but decided, instead, to study winemaking in Beaune. In 1988 he and his wife Catherine purchased 5.5 hectares of vineyards in Saint-Aubin just south of Beaune and began tending the vines biodynamically and making their wines in a non-interventionist way as well. This formed the basis of Domaine Derain.
The Saint-Aubin appellation is one of the hidden secrets of Burgundy because the vineyards border those of the premier crus of Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet but do not command anywhere near their price.
Some years ago Dominique and Catherine were joined by an eager young assistant Julien Altaber who wanted to learn the finer points of natural winemaking and Dominique was an ideal teacher. As the business grew there was plenty of work for Julien helping Dominique in the vineyards and in the winery.
And there was also a lot of administrative work so Dominique hired a young woman named Carole Schwab to help in the office but also to assist with wine tastings and other work in the cellars. Carole does have formal wine training and qualifications.