Domaine de la Cras
Plombières-lès-Dijon
Meet the producer
From Jura to Burgundy’s Heart
Marc Soyard, originally from the Jura region, is a self-made winemaker with no family background in viticulture. His passion for wine led him to spend six years at the renowned Domaine Bizot in Vosne-Romanée, where he served as vineyard manager and worked closely with Jean-Yves Bizot. This experience deeply influenced his winemaking philosophy, shaping his commitment to organic and biodynamic practices.
A Unique Opportunity
In 2013, the city of Dijon acquired the Domaine de la Cras, a 160-hectare agricultural estate located just outside the city limits. The estate included 8 hectares of vineyards (5 hectares of red and 3 hectares of white) planted on Bourgogne AOC lands, with the potential to expand by an additional 13 hectares. The city launched a call for proposals to select a young winemaker without an existing family vineyard, prioritising organic farming and a commitment to public education.
Marc Soyard was chosen in 2014. The city entrusted him with the vineyards, allowing him to live on the estate, produce, and sell his wines under the condition of paying an annual rent of 2,000 bottles. The remaining 140 hectares of the estate were allocated to other young farmers for diverse agricultural projects.
A Visionary Winemaker
Marc Soyard is the only producer authorised to use the "Coteaux de Dijon" designation, a unique appellation within the Bourgogne AOC. His wines reflect his dedication to natural winemaking: minimal sulfur, native yeasts, and a blend of traditional and experimental ageing techniques. He produces two reds and two whites, with the "Coteaux" cuvée sourced from lower-altitude vineyards and the "Cras" cuvée from steeper, higher-elevation plots.
In addition to his work at Domaine de la Cras, Marc personally tends to two small parcels of Pinot Noir in the southern Côte d’Or: one in Bourgogne Rouge near Ladoix, named Hermaïon, and another in the Hautes Côtes de Nuits.
The Estate’s philosophy
A Commitment to Sustainability
Domaine de la Cras is a testament to Dijon’s dedication to preserving green spaces and promoting sustainable agriculture. Marc Soyard embraced this vision by converting the entire vineyard to organic farming upon his arrival. His approach is deeply rooted in biodynamic principles, ensuring that the vines thrive in harmony with their environment.
Natural Winemaking at Its Core
Inspired by his mentorship under Jean-Yves Bizot, Marc Soyard crafts wines with minimal intervention. He avoids synthetic inputs, using only trace amounts of sulfur when necessary. His meticulous vineyard work, combined with thoughtful ageing in a mix of new and used barrels, results in wines that are vibrant, energetic, and full of character.
A Bridge Between Tradition and Innovation
The estate’s location—just 10 minutes from Dijon’s city center yet nestled in a serene, elevated landscape—symbolizes its unique blend of tradition and modernity. Marc’s wines, labeled under the exclusive "Coteaux de Dijon" designation, embody the spirit of Burgundy’s winemaking renaissance, offering a fresh perspective on the region’s heritage.
Key information
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Plombières-lès-Dijon
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Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc
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Around 8 hectares of vineyard
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Organic with Biodynamic practices.