In Santenay, Domaine Bachey-Legros tells a story of family, a return to the land, and rebirth.
The estate has existed since the early 20th century, passed down from generation to generation, starting with François Bachey, then Lazare, Joseph, and Marcel. But after Marcel, the story comes to a halt. Christiane Bachey-Legros, who grew up on the estate, chose a different path: she became a psychologist, while her husband taught economics in Dijon. The vineyards were then leased out, and the estate entered a long hiatus.
Samuel and Lénaïc thus grew up far removed from this world, living a city life in Dijon. Nothing really destined them to become winemakers. Yet, in the early 1990s, the family returned to Santenay with a clear vision: to revive the family estate.
They had to start from scratch: renovate, rebuild, reclaim the plots that had been leased for years, and restore the estate’s identity. This return required courage, hard work, and a great deal of patience. The estate would not regain all of its vineyards until 2017.
When Samuel and Lénaïc officially took over the estate in 2008, they breathed new life into this family-run property that might otherwise have disappeared.
During our visit, Samuel shared his story with touching sincerity. We discovered someone who is genuine, passionate, and deeply devoted to his vines and his craft.
Samuel speaks of generous, convivial, and warm wines—words that reflect the estate itself. Behind every bottle, you sense a family that has chosen to return to its roots and keep its history alive with humility.
The estate has very old vines, many of which were planted between 1935 and 1955. Some plots are over 100 years old. These old vines give the wines a unique depth, natural concentration, and a true identity.
The harvest is done by hand, allowing the grapes to be carefully selected right in the vineyard. In the cellar, the approach remains precise but never excessive. The estate lets fermentation follow its natural pace. Barrel aging is carefully managed: about 15 to 20% new barrels for the village wines, and around 30% for the premier crus.
Technique is never meant to overpower the wine. It simply complements what the vine has produced.
Perhaps that is what makes the wines of Domaine Bachey-Legros so endearing: they have depth, generosity, but also genuine sincerity. They tell the story of a family, rediscovered roots, patient work, and a passion passed down with simplicity.
And the family story continues! Starting in 2027, Samuel and Lénaïc will go their separate ways to create their own estates. A decision made with the future in mind, so that their respective children may, in turn, build their own stories. A new chapter will thus begin for the Bachey-Legros family, still guided by the same devotion to the vineyard, the terroir, and the passing down of tradition.
You can find their wines at the Wine Market
Santenay Premier Cru “Clos Rousseau – Les Fourneaux” 2023
Maranges Vieilles Vignes 2023
