An Introduction to David Duband

In 1991, while serving his obligatory year in the French military at a regional gendarmerie near his home in Chevannes, in the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits region of Burgundy, David Duband faced a life-altering moment when his father Pierre, who cultivated several hectares of vineyards on the cooler, high western slopes above the Côtes de Nuits, proposed purchasing an acre of nobler vineyards in nearby Nuits-St.-Georges and offered David the opportunity of taking over the winemaking. David eagerly accepted, enrolled in a crash winemaking course, secured permission to leave his military post for harvest, and began working in the cellar below the family house. This marked the beginning of David’s journey to becoming one of the most sought after winemakers in Burgundy.

Since taking over his family’s domaine in 1991, David Duband has steadily advanced the quality of his wines. His move away from conventional farming began in 1999, culminating in organic certification in 2006. In 2005, he acquired prime vineyards from Jacky Truchot, including old-vine parcels in the Grand Crus, Clos de la Roche and Charmes-Chambertin. A significant shift occurred in 2008 when David embraced whole-cluster fermentation, inspired by tastings of old bottlings from classic producers like Domaine Dujac and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. This change resulted in livelier, more elegant wines that better express the subtle differences between vineyards, highlighting the terroir and soil signature of each parcel with greater precision.

What is Whole Cluster Fermentation?

As mentioned, David Duband’s winemaking philosophy prominently features the use of whole cluster fermentation, a traditional yet distinctive technique involving the fermentation of entire grape clusters, stems included. This method imparts a unique set of complexities and nuances to the wine, introducing subtle herbaceous tones, increased tannic structure, and deeper layers of aromatics. By incorporating the stems, Duband achieves a more intricate and layered flavour profile, enhancing the overall character of the wine.

The decision to use whole cluster fermentation at Domaine David Duband (between 30-40% whole bunches are used) was driven by a desire to create wines that express the purest essence of their terroir, with the structure and complexity to age gracefully. This technique is particularly well-suited to Pinot Noir, Burgundy’s cornerstone varietal, and has enabled Duband to highlight the elegant, floral, and earthy qualities inherent in the region’s terroir. The adoption of whole cluster fermentation has been pivotal in the Domaine’s evolution towards producing more refined wines, characterised by brighter acidity and more pronounced minerality.

“Once I had tasted old bottles from Dujac and DRC made with whole clusters I knew I wanted to make similarly aromatics wines” David Duband.

This approach exemplifies how traditional techniques can be harnessed to elevate modern winemaking, reflecting Domaine David Duband’s dedication to innovation within the boundaries of organic and thoughtful practices. As a result, Duband’s wines not only capture the essence of their Burgundian roots but also offer a unique and nuanced drinking experience that distinguishes them in the world of fine wines.

Key Wines by David Duband

• Bourgogne Rouge: A red-fruited, spicy Pinot Noir from Morey-Saint-Denis and Chambolle-Musigny vineyards, balanced with minerally textures from higher altitude parcels in Hautes-Côtes de Nuits.
• Hautes Cotes de Nuits Louis Auguste: Named after David’s son, this wine from cooler, high-altitude sites offers fresh acidity and spicy red fruit characteristics.
• Gevrey-Chambertin: An elegant wine from the Brochon vineyards, showcasing the delicacy and minerality of this renowned appellation.
• Morey St. Denis: A savory, earthy wine with a sleek texture and finely delineated structure, highlighting the essence of the commune.
• Nuits St. Georges: Combining elegance and grip, this wine reflects the terroir of the Vosne-Romanée side of the appellation and delivers a balanced, refreshing palate.
• Vosne Romanée: From high and low elevation vineyards, this wine is plush, rich, and forward, embodying the regal character of the Vosne-Romanée commune.
• Morey-St-Denis 1er Cru Clos Sorbè: A balanced wine with sappy fruit and bright aromatics, acquired from Jacky Truchot’s esteemed parcels.
• Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Aux Thorey: Showcases the finesse of Nuits-Saint-Georges with a savory range of characteristics and restrained fruitiness.
• Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru: Offers tremendous depth from old vines, with cool air influence and stony soils imparting a unique character.
• Chambertin Grand Cru: A wine from one of the greatest plots in Gevrey-Chambertin, reflecting the balance between warmth and cool air influences.

Explore David Duband with Top Selection

David Duband seamlessly blends innovative and traditional winemaking approaches to craft exceptional wines. His dedication to techniques like whole cluster fermentation significantly enhances the elegance and terroir expression of his wines. This method not only elevates the structure and complexity but also highlights the unique characteristics of each vineyard.

Exploring the wines of Domaine David Duband offers an opportunity to appreciate their remarkable depth and complexity, deeply rooted in Burgundian tradition. These wines stand out for their purity, finesse, and connection to their terroir, providing a unique and rewarding experience for wine enthusiasts.

Check out the full range of Domaine David Duband wines available from Top Selection now.