2020 Domaine Jean-Charles Rion Côte-de-Nuits-Villages "Aux Fauques", Burgundy, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

From the lieux-dit "Aux Fauques" near the village of Comblanchien. The hill-slopes of Comblanchien and Corgoloin are carved into the hard limestones of the Upper bathonien. The slopes are gentle and regular, not reaching the rim of the plateau. In the upper part the brown soil is only slightly limy with, lower down, a thick layer of pebbly scree, while at the foot of the slope is an extensive area of brown soils over accumulated alluvium. 

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

This estate of almost 6ha of vines has recently been led by Jean-Charles Rion (fifth generation of winegrowers), son of Olivier Rion and grandson of Daniel Rion. Created in 1995 with 1ha of vines in the Côte de Nuits Villages appellation, this farm located in Prémeaux-Prissey at 17B of the RD974 (former national 74), now offers appellations spanning the Côte de Beaune, the Côte de Nuits and the Hautes Côtes de Nuits. The vineyard is managed in a traditional way, using sustainable cultivation methods, in order to limit inputs as much as possible, taking into account the climatic hazards of each year. Jean-Charles completed his schooling at the Beaune wine high school (Bac STAE and BTS viticulture-oenology then obtained his vineyard and wine license at the Jules Guyot institute in Dijon. After three years of professional experience within the family estate (Daniel Rion and sons) in 2008, 2009 and 2010 he chose to embark on the great adventure as a young winegrower on his own farm. A profession that he practices with passion and seriousness. His only wish is to produce AOP wines of quality reflecting the expression of our many beautiful terroirs. 

Attentive care throughout the year keeps him in his vines and cellar. Harvesting is limited to small yields. The harvest is carried out manually followed by rigorous sorting, favoring only the healthiest berries. Vinification takes place in open stainless steel vats at carefully controlled temperatures throughout the alcoholic fermentation process. Macerations last on average from fifteen days to three weeks depending on the appellations and the quality of the vintage. The aging of the red wines as well as that of the Nuits St Georges 1er cru white "Les Terres Blanches" (from pinot blanc) takes place slowly between twelve and eighteen months in oak barrels.