Maison Arnaud Boué is based in Villars-Fontaine, in the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits. Arnaud's first vintage was 2018, but he honed his skills over many years in Bordeaux, South Africa and New Zealand before returning to his native Burgundy. Arnaud owns seven hectares of vines on the outskirts of Villars-Fontaine, as well as a tiny 0.12-hectare parcel in Nuits-Saint-Georges (in the lieu-dit Les Charmois). Arnaud also buys grapes from other growers, many of them organic-certified.  

Burgundy, located in eastern France, is one of the world’s most prestigious and complex wine regions. Known for its terroir-driven approach, Burgundy’s climate is continental, with cold winters, warm summers, and unpredictable weather—making vintage variation significant. The region is divided into key sub-regions: Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise, and Mâconnais, each offering distinct expressions of its wines.

The primary grape varieties are Pinot Noir for red wines and Chardonnay for whites. Soils vary dramatically across Burgundy, with limestone, marl, and clay dominating—contributing to the unique character of each vineyard. This geological diversity is central to Burgundy’s concept of “climat,” small, precisely defined vineyard plots often with their own classification.

Burgundy’s red wines, mainly from Pinot Noir, are typically elegant and aromatic, with flavours of red berries, earth, mushroom, and subtle spice. They offer finesse, structure, and ageing potential. The white wines, primarily Chardonnay, range from steely, mineral-driven styles in Chablis to richer, oak-aged versions from Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet, showing flavours of citrus, apple, nuts, and butter.

Burgundy’s wines are highly sought after for their purity, complexity, and expression of place, making the region a benchmark for both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir worldwide.

Gamay is a red grape variety best known for producing the wines of Beaujolais in eastern France. It originated in the Burgundy region and was first mentioned in the 14th century. Though once banned from prestigious Burgundian vineyards, Gamay found its true home in the granite-rich soils of Beaujolais, where it thrives.

Viticulturally, Gamay is an early-ripening variety that performs best in well-drained, acidic soils, particularly granite and schist. It is relatively vigorous and productive, making canopy management important to maintain quality. The grape is sensitive to site, with higher-elevation and cooler locations producing more structured, complex wines.

While France remains its heartland—particularly the ten Beaujolais Crus like Morgon, Fleurie, and Moulin-à-Vent—Gamay is also grown in Canada, the United States (notably Oregon and California), Switzerland, and New Zealand.

Gamay is probably most famous for Beaujolais Nouveau, a light, fruity wine made via carbonic maceration, released just weeks after harvest and best served chilled. However, more serious styles from the Cru villages offer greater depth, structure, and ageing potential.

Flavour-wise, Gamay typically shows vibrant red fruit such as cherry, raspberry, and cranberry, often with floral notes, earthy undertones, and a touch of spice. Naturally high acidity and low tannins make it fresh, food-friendly, and highly drinkable.