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    Winemaker

    François Labet

    Discipline
    Winemaker
    Based in
    Beaune, France
    Portrait of François Labet

    i. Biography

    His work there is defined by a minimalist, quality-driven Burgundy winemaking philosophy: organic methods, whole-bunch fermentation, strict pruning, no sulphur dioxide at harvest, carbon-dioxide protection of grapes, no racking after malolactic fermentation, no bâtonnage for whites, light fining for whites, and no filtration. The point is restraint: not embellishment, not correction, but the protection of what the vineyard has already given. In François Labet’s hands, precision reads as discipline, with each choice aimed at keeping vineyard character intact through to the glass.

    The Climb

    At Domaine Pierre Labet and Château de la Tour, the work is estate management as a practical exercise in judgment. François Labet oversees both properties with the kind of measured control Burgundy rewards: careful enough to preserve detail, exacting enough to keep the style coherent from season to season. Since 2015, his role as president of Union des Grands Crus de Bourgogne has placed that same discipline in a wider trade frame, where long familiarity with Burgundy’s hierarchies, traditions, and standards matters as much as authority.

    Today

    As president of the Bourgogne Wine Board, François Labet sits in the wider conversation around Burgundy’s standing and direction. The post extends the reach of his work beyond cellar and estate, positioning him as a figure whose perspective is tied to the region’s established codes as much as to its present-day decisions.

    Career - owner and manager — Domaine Pierre Labet and Château de la Tour, Burgundy, France - president — Union des Grands Crus de Bourgogne, France (2015–present)

    Signature

    François's signature wines include Pinot Noir Corsica, Domaine Pierre Labet Bourgogne Rouge Vieilles Vignes, Bourgogne Chardonnay Vieilles Vignes, and Pinot Noir Méditerranée. Taken together, they show a range that stays close to clarity and control rather than ornament. The mix of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, alongside the geographic markers of Corsica and Méditerranée, gives a practical read on the scope of his production without breaking from the discipline that defines it.

    Recognition

    Read together, the remarks are consistent with a trade-minded approach: value is set by supply, demand, and the market’s assessment of place.

    FAQ What is François Labet's current role? As of 2026, François Labet is current winemaker and owner. What is François Labet known for? Minimalist, quality-driven Burgundy winemaking with organic methods, whole-bunch fermentation, strict pruning, no sulphur dioxide at harvest, carbon-dioxide protection of grapes, no racking after malolactic fermentation, no bâtonnage for whites, light fining for whites, and no filtration.