Gros Frère et Soeur

Gros Frère et Soeur is from a Burgundian wine family lineage that dates back to 1860 (read more on the Gros dynasty). Gros F&S, as it is often abbreviated, holds 53-acres of vineyards, including top appellations of Richebourg, Clos-de-Vougeot "Musigni", Grands-Echézeaux, and Echézeaux. The largest parcels are the 30-acres of Hautes-Côtes-de-Nuits, which produces both red and white varieties. Currently run by Bernard Gros and his 30-year-old son, Vincent, Gros F&S is known for making Pinots that express an exuberance and power, with expressive aromatics and immense structure. This may be due to the superior terroir in their holdings, or perhaps it is Bernard's influence in the winemaking. Either way, the wines are ideal for wine aficionados who appreciate the characteristics of a bold, aged Burgundy.

Bernard Gros, who studied electrical engineering and plays the piano beautifully, took over the Gros F&S estate in 1980 when his uncle's health was in serious decline and there were no immediate heirs to assume the responsibilities. He is one of (famous) Jean Gros' sons, so top tier winemaking has always been a prevalent aspect of his life. Upon taking over, Bernard got to work upgrading the vineyards and the winery. It took decades and a great deal of investment, but today the vines are producing the highest possible quality fruit and the cellar is immaculate (apart from one small cellar niche that they kept original, fuzzy growths and all!) with modern amenities that help them make the best wines.

To achieve the boldness common in the Gros F&S wines, Bernard strictly limits his yields for depth and concentration, and the wines are only lightly fined, never filtered. Oak barrels from Chatillon with a decent toast are used to enhance the richness and fine texture of the wine, but the oak character is well integrated and does not obtrude.

Unlike his cousin, Anne Gros, whose wines are more delicate in the mouthfeel, or his brother Michel Gros, whose wines are a more pure expression of Pinot, Bernard's wines offer you more intensity. And with his son, Vincent, who formally studied oenology, taking over more of the winemaking at Gros F&S, I expect the wines will only improve every vintage.

In  my opinion, the Gros F&S estate is one of the most beautiful in Vosne-Romanée. Check out the video below, which was produced by Gros F&S. It's in French, but it shows intimate shots of their vineyards and cellars, Bernard's piano, and the historic (fuzzy) cellar niche.