The Domaine was created in early 20th Century by Armand Rousseau. Initially, he sold wines in bulk to regional merchants. Over time, he expanded his holdings to include prestigious vineyards including Charmes Chambertin, Clos de la Roche and the famous Chambertin. He later added Mazy Chambertin and Mazoyeres Chambertin (marketed under the Charmes Chambertin appellation). Clos Saint Jacques was subsequently acquired in the name of his son, Charles. Following the death of Armand Rousseau in 1959, Charles Rousseau continued to develop rapidly by acquiring additional Grand Cru vineyards, including Chambertin Clos de Beze and Clos des Ruchottes (a Monopole), and more parcels in Chambertin during the 1990s.

Today, the domaine is managed by Eric Rousseau, the grandson of Armand, alongside Eric’s daughter, Cyrielle. Over the years, the Estate has grown to an impressive 15 hectares, including 8.51 ha of Grand Crus, 3.77 ha of Premier Crus and 3 ha of Village Appellation, located in Gevrey Chambertin and Morey Saint Denis.

Eric started in the vineyards. He integrated innovative techniques such as green harvesting and leaf removal, steering the Domaine towards organic viticulture while maintaining traditional winemaking methods that minimize the handling of the wines. In 2014, Cyriell Rousseau, who has a comprehensive education in geology and viticulture, returned to the Domaine to collaborate with her father. Together, their diligent efforts have positioned the Domaine as a beacon of artisanal winemaking, blending deeply rooted traditions with a forward-thinking approach to viticulture and vinification.

Rousseau's Gevrey Chambertin village wines exude supreme elegance, characterized by distinguished red fruits on the nose and a rich, succulent texture. Among the estate’s Premier Crus, Lavaux Saint Jacques is usually the last to be harvested (alongside Clos Saint Jacques), due to the cooling night breezes. This wine is celebrated for its freshness, brightness, and distinct mineral notes. Similarly esteemed is Les Cazetiers, with the vineyard lies just over the wall from Clos Saint Jacques. The parcel’s three distinct soil types result in grapes that ripen earlier than those in LSJ, producing a wine this is both rounder and complex, marked by elegance.

For the Grand Crus, apart from the flagship wine Chambertin, Charmes Chambertin (1.47 ha) stands out for its deliciously juicy, supple qualities with a lingering finish. The grapes come from two parcels of Charmes and one parcel of Mazoyeres. Across the border, Clos de la Roche (1.48 ha) is the only appellation in the Domaine not within the commune of Gevrey Chambertin. These wines are mineral-rich, vibrant, and consistently firm. Clos Saint Jacques (2.21 ha) has long been acclaimed for its Grand Cru caliber. Domaine Rousseau owns one third of the total area of the Clos, crafting wines that are impeccably balanced with strong, smooth tannins and an intense, deep mouthfeel, with great depth and length to age gracefully.

The crown jewels of the Domaine are undoubtedly Chambertin and Chambertin Clos de Beze. Grapes from Chambertin (2.55 ha) comes in four different parcels. The layout of the vineyard is such that it can only be cultivated using a horse and plough, instead of machinery. For those unfamiliar, Chambertin offers a powerfully concentrated experience, structured and layered, with an enduring mouthfeel accompanied by aromas of chocolate, licorice, and a long, elegant finish. It truly stands as the King of Burgundy wines.

The vieneyard of Chambertin Clos de Beze (1.42 ha) remains a true “clos”, enclosed by stone walls to this day. Often regarded as the feminine counterpart to Chambertin, Clos de Beze epitomizes the elegance and finesse of the Gevrey Chambertin appellation. The wines from this clos are subtly mineral, contrasting with the more robust and ample character of those from Le Chambertin.

Few may know that Ruchottes Chambertin Clos des Ruchottes is an exclusive Monopole of Domaine Armand Rousseau. It is situated above Mazy Chambertin and consists of three parts. The rocky terrain and sparse soil quality lend the wine a light and nuanced colour, alongside a fine and elegant body. Clos des Ruchottes is a mineral driven wine with an elusive charm, characterized by the delicate and refined expression of its terroir. This wine is best aged to fully reveal its profound depth and complexity.