Domaine La Croix Montjoie

Created in 2009 by Sophie and Matthieu Woillez the Domaine La Croix Montjoie covers a total of ten hectares in the village of Tharoiseau.

The Bourgogne Vézelay appellation stretches across four villages – Vézelay, Asquins, Saint-Père and Tharoiseau.

Sophie Woillez’ grandparents were winegrowers in Beaujolais. After agriculture and œnology studies Sophie and Matthieu Woillez worked in Sauternes and the Rhône valley, but soon realised they wanted something of their own.

“At first we looked for something to buy in Beaujolais, explains Sophie Woillez. We did not find anything. The vineyards for sale were not in very good shape. They were too old, or had vines missing. So we began looking elsewhere. Of course, in Chablis or around Beaune there wasn’t anything for sale. Then we found an ad for the vineyard here in Tharoiseau. Well-planted vines on a nice hill, with lovely exposure. Everything was right. The only problem was that the owner was located in Avallon and he was selling all his grapes to the négociants. So there wasn’t a winery, which meant we had to find suitable facilities in Tharoiseau. We found this, the old farm that belonged to the chateau in Tharoiseau.”

When it comes to vineyards Domaine La Croix Montjoie is unique by Burgundian standards. They are among the very few to have all their vines in one single parcel. Up behind the winery, just 400 metres away, is what looks like miniature version of the Corton hill. The ten hectares are exposed south and southeast. The soil is limestone and clay. More clay than limestone.