Domaine Athenais

Perched on the heights of the Chablis vineyards, Domaine Athénaïs embodies the living and committed soul of today's Burgundy. In the heart of the prestigious village of Béru, Athénaïs de Béru produced her first vintage in 2005, infusing a modern and sensitive vision into a family heritage over four centuries old. The estate has belonged to her family for over 400 years, but it is in her hands that the vineyard takes on new life: that of a free, authentic viticulture, connected to the earth and natural cycles. Each bottle tells a story, that of a committed woman, a living land, and an intuition refined over the seasons.

Terroir, plots, and grape varieties

Across 15 hectares of vines, exclusively planted with Chardonnay, Domaine Athénaïs explores the finesse and diversity of Chablis terroirs. The vines flourish on well-exposed slopes, bathed in Burgundian light and rooted in the Kimmeridgian soils so characteristic of the region: a subtle blend of marl, clay, and marine fossils, which give Chardonnay its crystalline minerality unique to Chablis. An intimate knowledge of each plot, forged by years of patient observation, allows the finest nuances of this complex terroir to resonate.

Cultivation methods

From the outset, Athénaïs de Béru committed to biodynamic viticulture, guided by respect for living things and the rhythms of nature. The soils are gently worked, the vines cared for with herbal teas, biodynamic preparations, and essential oils. Every action, every decision, is part of a global vision, where listening to the vine takes precedence over any form of standardization. The harvest, done by hand, is meticulously carried out to preserve the integrity of the berries, which are quickly transported in 10 kg crates for gentle pressing.

Winemaking

In the cellar, the same respect guides every step. Since 2012, some wines have been made without sulfur, with a constant search for purity and truthfulness. No exogenous yeast, no additives: only the juice, time, and natural elements determine the dynamics of fermentation. Pressing, barreling, and aging are adjusted according to the specific characteristics of each vintage. It is winemaking based on listening and precision, which rejects ready-made recipes to better celebrate the identity of each cuvée.

Tasting & pairings

The wines of Domaine Athénaïs are frank, vibrant expressions, deeply linked to their origin. They display remarkable mineral tension, balanced by a full and chiseled texture, carried by subtle aromas of citrus, white flowers, and wet chalk. These are wines for aging, but also for emotion, to be enjoyed with fine fish, seafood, hard cheeses, or simply on their own, to grasp their full depth.

A place of welcome and sharing

Beyond the vineyard, Domaine Athénaïs is also a meeting place. The Château de Béru, a majestic family residence nestled amidst the vines, opens its doors to visitors with its guest rooms and authentic gîte. A rare immersion into the beating heart of Burgundy, between heritage, nature, and great wine.