Thibault Liger‑Belair is a Burgundian vigneron based in Nuits‑Saint‑Georges, representing a new generation of winemakers from the celebrated Liger‑Belair lineage. In 2001, at just 26, he established Domaine Thibault Liger‑Belair, reclaiming long‑held family vineyards and launching his own domaine after centuries of trading and leasing their wines.

Educated in viticulture and oenology, Thibault began his career outside wine before returning to the family land. He adopted organic farming from the start and transitioned to biodynamic methods by 2004–2005—though without certification—to honour terroir and elevate vineyard expression. Today, the domaine owns about seven hectares across renowned sites—including Richebourg, Clos de Vougeot, Saint‑Georges Premier Cru, Aux Réas, and plots in Gevrey‑Chambertin—and also crafts wines in Beaujolais, notably Moulin‑à‑Vent Cru under biodynamic care.

Thibault’s winemaking philosophy is rooted in restraint and precision: hand‑harvested grapes, delicate handling in the cellar, variable whole‑cluster use, no fining or filtration, and ageing on lees for around a year. The resulting wines are known for their purity, focus, elegance and subtle power

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.

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.