Since 1650
More than a tradition
More than a tradition, the profession of the vine has been in the genes of the Derey family since 1650, the date of the first brands of the family in the vineyards of Burgundy.
Two centuries later
We don’t really know who and how, but the first traces of a Derey growing vines in Burgundy dates back to 1650. In those days however, growing grapes alone was far from enough to earn a living. Two centuries later, Claude would be the first Derey to settle down and sow the seeds for the family’s wine interests in the village of Couchey, in the heart of what was once known as Dijonnois wine country.
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At the beginning of the 1950
At the beginning of the 1950’s, brothers Albert and Maurice founded the estate we know today
The founding brothers
At the beginning of the 1950’s, brothers Albert and Maurice founded the estate we know today. The first was notable for his many and varied commitments: as mayor of Couchey (1971-1983) and president of the local growers’ union for twenty-five years, he dedicated his life to the promotion and protection of the Marsannay appellation and the rebirth of Dijon’s local vineyards.
The City of Dijon rewarded this dedication and, in 1982, entrusted the replanting of 42 acres and the care of the Clos des Marc d’Or, formerly owned by the Dukes of Burgundy, to the family. This remains a “monopole” estate and is still tended by the Derey family, in homage to the hard work of their forebears.
In the 2000’s
In the 2000’s, the estate took a decisive new turn when it was handed down to the son Pierre, who would later be joined by his wife Susanne. Originally from Rottenburg in the south west of Germany, she crossed the border to help Pierre as he worked to elevate the quality and prestige of the estate.
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This Franco-German couple were deeply interested in the diversity of their vineyards. They had a new vat building created in 2004 and took advantage of new property opportunities, such as a plot in Gevrey-Chambertin, and opened their products to international markets. These efforts have now made Derey Frères a sound, forward-looking company with scope for creation and expansion, the perfect forum for their three children, Maxime, Romain and Pierre-Marie.
The three brothers
Pierre-Marie
Maxime
Romain
The Derey Frères estate has never lived up to its name so well.
A generation more militant of its land than ever.
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