François de Nicolay

Career The trade began in Paris, where François de Nicolay worked as a wine distributor until 2001 while also running an own shop in Pigalle until 2001. That mix of distribution and retail put him on the practical side of the business first: moving bottles, reading demand, and learning how wine is handled before it reaches the cellar. By the time he became linked to Domaine Chandon de Briailles, he already knew the trade from the market end as well as from the counter. Since 2001, François de Nicolay has co-managed Domaine Chandon de Briailles, Savigny-lès-Beaune, while also serving as owner and négociant of François de Nicolay. The two roles sit alongside each other: one tied to the continuity of an historic estate, the other to work carried under his own name. - co-manager — Domaine Chandon de Briailles, Savigny-lès-Beaune (2001–present) - owner and négociant — François de Nicolay, Savigny-lès-Beaune - wine distributor — wine distribution, Paris (until 2001) - shop owner — own shop, Pigalle (until 2001)

Signature

The house style associated with François de Nicolay is holistic, biodynamic, and low-intervention. At Domaine Chandon de Briailles, that means the vineyard is used to define the wine rather than having the wine pushed into shape in the cellar. The stated methods are direct: native yeasts, no pumping over, no filtration, no sulfur in some bottlings, and hand bottling by the *chevre a deux becs* method. The result is a practice built around restraint, texture, and site expression. François de Nicolay's signature wines include Corton Blanc and Mercurey Les Montelons. Those cuvées fit the same frame: wines made to age and to show themselves gradually, not all at once.

Recognition/etc Demeter certification followed in 2011.

FAQ “I like the wines after 10 years here – of course Corton can age, but now I like to drink the 1998, 1991 and 1990.” What is François de Nicolay's current role? As of 2026, François de Nicolay is Co-manager. Where did François de Nicolay work before? François de Nicolay's earlier career included wine distribution and own shop. What is François de Nicolay known for? Holistic, biodynamic, low-intervention winemaking with native yeasts, no pumping over, no filtration, no sulfur in some bottlings, and hand bottling by the "chevre a deux becs" method.