The portrait
Étienne Grivot
Etienne’s perspective
Burgundy has terrific terroirs and we know we are lucky to have inherited them, to have had them passed down to us. Etienne Grivot likes to recall that ancestry has been part of this province since – at least – the very beginning of the 17th century, an anchor to the region that should not be wasted.
« I conduct the terroirs, but we don’t have the right to change the score. »
In four decades, the climate, equipment and knowledge have all changed, and been completely turned upside down. He needed to gain experience and wisdom. Our wines reflect us: they carry the spirit of youth, they mature, they age in an environment where instant gratification seems to prevail, while at each of our ages we take pleasure in different things.
« It’s a craft and my passion is what drives me. I realise how lucky I was to take over the estate to which I owe so much. »
Go-to wine
It’s hard to choose my favourite wine. They are all so different and each have their own personality. There are wines from climates which flourish with voluptuous generosity and those from climates that galvanise through their structure and energy. It’s more about what I fancy at a particular moment in time. As I often say, “in the cellar, you must follow your hand”.
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Pass it on? Yes. Pass the baton, the fruit of the family’s labour, a particular outlook, the humble pursuit of excellence.
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Favourite time of year
I like to head to top of the Rouges du Dessus vineyard for sunrise at the end of May/beginning of June. The atmosphere is surreal and the view incredible. You can see the impressive roofs of the Château du Clos Vougeot and the stunning bell tower of Gilly-les-citeaux. In the distance, Mont Poupet overlooks Salin-les-bains, and the misty banks of the Saône plain. The village of Vosne-Romanée is slowly waking up. Sometimes, even further in the distance, the Mont Blanc massif looms on the horizon.
A special place: The cellar
A visit to the cellar is never ordinary. I love meeting visitors. Making myself visible and available, listening, sharing my passion and delving into all the mysteries that the wine has to offer.
Appreciation
When I’m talking to visitors in the cellar, I often hear them say:
« When I’ve had a bad day, if I open a bottle of Domaine J. Grivot for dinner, the magic happens and all of my worries disappear. »
It’s at times like that when we feel proud of what we do.
See other profiles
Mathilde Grivot
Galloping through life, she is never afraid to tackle obstacles head on. “Generations before us toiled hard and made our job much easier.”
Hubert Grivot
His strength lies in his humility. Observant and quiet, Hubert has measured and honed his role with regard tohis heritage, and is developing like a wise apprentice. His fine, reserved nature gives all the signals of a future Grand Cru.