Nine Centuries in the Heart of Burgundy | Assouline

The history of the Cellier aux Moines winery weaves a rich and colorful tapestry, originating with the Cistercian monks of the Abbey of La Ferté, who settled in 1113 on a rocky hill overlooking the city of Givry, an important viticultural center. Over the centuries the monks survived wars and plagues, acquiring and developing some of the most renowned vineyards in the region, and producing wines that graced the tables of royalty and the popes. Leaving a career dedicated to the management of luxury brands such as Barton & Guestier, Veuve Clicquot, and LVMH, Philippe Pascal, along with his wife Catherine, turned to winemaking. They bought the Cellier aux Moines property in 2004, revived its vineyards and buildings, and launched their first vintage in 2006, returning to the ancient traditions of winemaking including harvesting and culling the grapes by hand. The domaine’s wines are critically acclaimed, restoring the Cellier aux Moines to its former glory. Gilles Platret is an historian of Burgundy. A graduate of Sciences-Po in Paris, he also holds a postgraduate degree in Contemporary History (Sorbonne) and is president of the Society of History and Archaeology of Chalon-sur-Saône.Yves Benard comes from a long line of vintners. He was successively secretary-general, president, and director-general of Moët & Chandon and Dom Pérignon, and he has held numerous positions in several professional organizations, including president of the International Organization of Vine and Wine (2009–12).