Mark Haisma is an independent Australian winemaker who has become highly respected for his small-batch, terroir-driven wines made in both Burgundy and the Rhône Valley. Originally from Melbourne, he spent over a decade working at Yarra Yering in the Yarra Valley, where he refined his winemaking philosophy and developed a passion for elegant, site-expressive wines. In 2009 he moved to France and established his own micro-negociant label, sourcing grapes from carefully selected growers and vinifying them with minimal intervention.

Based in Saint-Romain, Haisma focuses primarily on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Burgundy, producing wines from appellations such as Gevrey-Chambertin, Saint-Romain and Chassagne-Montrachet. He also crafts small quantities of Syrah from Crozes-Hermitage and Cornas in the northern Rhône. His approach in the cellar is hands-off and traditional: wild yeast ferments, limited extraction, gentle pressing and restrained use of new oak in order to let the vineyard character shine through.

Haisma’s wines are known for their purity, vibrancy and finesse. The Burgundies show lifted aromas of red berries, spice and gentle earthiness, while the Rhône wines display dark fruit, pepper and floral notes with fine tannins and freshness. Widely admired for his authenticity and attention to detail, Mark Haisma is regarded as one of the most exciting small producers working in France today.

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.

Pinot Noir is one of the world’s most celebrated and challenging grape varieties, renowned for producing elegant, complex wines. Believed to have originated in Burgundy, France, over 1,000 years ago, it thrives in cooler climates where its thin skin and early ripening nature are best suited. Viticulturally, Pinot Noir is notoriously difficult to grow: it is susceptible to rot, mildew, and pests, and requires precise canopy management to balance ripening with acidity retention.

Pinot Noir is planted across the globe, with notable expressions found in Burgundy, Champagne, Oregon’s Willamette Valley, California’s Sonoma Coast, New Zealand’s Central Otago, and Germany’s Baden and Pfalz regions. In Champagne, it is a key component of sparkling wines, typically blended with Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. The wine's diverse geographical range means that you might also find it labelled as Red Burgundy, Pinot Nero, Blauburgunder, or Spätburgunder.

The grape produces wines of delicate colour but remarkable aromatic depth. Typical flavour profiles include red fruits such as cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, often layered with floral notes, earthy undertones, and hints of spice or forest floor as the wines mature. Styles range from light and silky to more structured and age-worthy, depending on climate and winemaking choices. Pinot Noir’s ability to express terroir with precision makes it a favourite among wine lovers, despite — or perhaps because of — its demanding nature in the vineyard.