Domaine de l'Arlot was created as recently as 1987 by the insurance giant AXA and was overseen by Jean-Pierre de Smet who himself had previously been in the insurance business.
De Smet was a disciple of Jacques Seysses at Domaine Dujac and made the wines at Domaine de l'Arlot in a similar manner. In fact for a few years, both estates shared wood and seasoned it together for a cooper to make into barrels for them.De Smet has now retired but the wines continue to be made in the same, careful manner ensuring wonderful longevity in bottle. As the grapes are not destemmed before fermentation, the wines can appear light in colour, the stalks taking some of the pigment during fermentation, yet the wines most certainly never lack power and are some of the greatest offerings in the Cote d'Or.
One unusual wine at the Domaine de l'Arlot is a white Nuits St Georges made not exclusively from Chardonnay but with some Pinot Beurot (also known as Pinot Gris) in the blend. Although quite rare, this is a wine not to be missed when opportunity presents itself as is the 1er Cru red Clos des Forets St Georges. Divine!
