Domaine Faiveley was founded in 1825 by Pierre Faiveley in the heart of Burgundy. The family has been at the helm of the estate for nearly two centuries, passing the tradition down through six generations. The foundations of its modern success however were laid by Georges Faiveley, who saw the firm through the difficult inter-war years when it was said that a new barrel cost more than the wine which filled it. His grandson François handed control over to his own son Erwan – the 7th generation – in 2005. The change of generation was enhanced by the arrival of Bernard Hervet as Managing Director and it is a clear warning of the intention to dynamise the business. The most obvious change though is in the barrel cellar where the previous supplier has been dropped and replaced with Francois Frères, Taransaud and three other coopers. Old style Faiveley wines could be massively tannic at the expense of the fruit. From 2007 the wines are much fresher and fruitier, yet still with real intensity. One of Fiaveley's points of difference from it's contemporaries is the investment in the Southern zones of Burgundy like Cote Chalonnaise and access to a large number of Monopole sites. Across their 115 hectares of vines they produce 3 Mercurey Monopoles: 'Clos des Myglands' 1er Cru plus the Village classified 'La Framboisiere' & 'Clos Rochette' - making them a beacon of quality in these under appreciated appellations.
