Charles Lachaux

Charles Lachaux launched his micro-négoce in Burgundy, driven by his passion for Aligoté. After blind tasting exceptional Aligotés, like d’Auvenay’s Sous Châtelet and others from peers such as Nicolas Faure and Sylvain Pataille, he recognized the potential of the grape. Despite the Arnoux family’s history of selling off their Aligoté grapes, Charles sought to vinify them once again.

In 2018, amidst significant changes at the Domaine Arnoux-Lachaux, Charles opted to create a separate micro-négoce, purchasing grapes from the family domaine to avoid internal pressure. He began with five wines, including Aligoté, and expanded modestly in subsequent years. His wife, Louise, designed the label, featuring a rose symbol for their daughter, Rose.

The winemaking style for the Charles Lachaux négoce wines is similar to the domaine’s, with minimal intervention, natural fermentations, and limited sulfur use. However, the négoce wines are aged for less time (under a year) compared to the domaine wines, resulting in more fruit-driven, ready-to-drink styles. Charles also implements whole-cluster fermentation and gentle extraction methods for his reds.

Overall, Charles Lachaux has become a pioneer in Burgundy, not only with his progressive viticulture but also in crafting wines of transparency, precision, and soul.