Jean Francois Coche is a living legend, the resident icon of Meursault, and the third generation of Domaine Coche Dury who elevated the domaine to its legendary status. He does not like to market his wines, nor does he need to. With the right serving temperature and glass, every sip of Coche Dury wines is electrifying, astonishing and unforgettable. Today, the domaine is managed by his son, Raphael, who has been working alongside his father since 2001. Together with his wife, Charlene, they continue the family tradition with profound reverence.
The 10-hectare domaine boasts only one Grand Cru holding, yet their Premier Cru and Village wines frequently outperform many other Grand Cru wines from Burgundy in both quality and price. This success began with Jean François Coche, who took over from his father in 1972. His dedication to quality is evident in the long, traditional vinification processes in the cellar. One tradition that Coche upholds, which he believes enriches the wine, is rousing the lees in a cask by stirring its contents with a stick. These extended lees contact prevents oxidation and maintains freshness in the wines.
For those new to his creations, trying the Meursault Village wines is highly recommended. They offer a glimpse into the exceptional quality and meticulous winemaking that characterize the domaine, with remarkable complexity and richness evident across all his whites.
Among the three Meursault Premier Crus, Les Perrieres, with its 0.6 hectare holding, is often considered the epitome of Meursault’s Premier Crus, and Coche-Dury’s interpretation is exemplary. The wine is known for its striking minerality, intense concentration, and vibrant acidity. Les Genevrieres, slightly smaller at 0.21 hectares, and Les Caillerets at 0.18 hectares, are both exquisite, though challenging to obtain. Les Genevrieres is notably aromatic and slightly softer than Les Perrieres, offering a fuller, rounder texture interwoven with a silky richness that renders the wine both powerful and elegant.
Coche Dury’s only Grand Cru Corton Charlemagne is meant to be kept. Despite the small size of the 0.68 hectare plot within the overall 71 hectares of Corton-Charlemagne, Coche Dury produces wines of exceptional quality, immense depth, and structure. True to its terroir, the wine exhibits a pronounced stony minerality, providing a vibrant backbone to the rich fruit flavours, making it a stellar example of Grand Cru White Burgundy.