Domaine Rougeot has been quietly making impeccable and compelling burgundy since the 1970s. The modern-day stone cellar was originally constructed in the 18th century for the Hospices de Beaune and was purchased by Pierre’s great grandfather nearly a century later. The Domaine was founded in the Meursault village center and the family has 12.5 hectares total, 10.5 of which are in Meursault proper. As of 2010, Pierre-Henri is the eighth generation of Rougeots to be winemakers there.
Pierre-Henri Rougeot is a force to be reckoned with. Prior to taking over his family’s estate, Pierre travelled all over France as a cooperage trying to sell barrels to wineries. Through his travels he met numerous winemakers in the Loire, Beaujolais, etc. that opened his eyes to natural winemaking and the possibilities for his family’s Domaine. All of his experiences have brought a unique influence to the vins natures he now produces. Lexi Henson, our Director of Imports explains, “What I love most about Pierre-Henri’s wines is their effortless balance between traditional Burgundian technique and the modern style of ‘natural wine’ that we know and love today.” Simply put, these wines have an energy, precision, and balance that you don’t find everyday.
In a recent visit, Lexi and Pierre-Henri took a drive in his convertible Volkswagen through a few of his vineyard sites. They hiked up to the top of Saint Romain and Lexi fondly recalled “being there in late October I was able to fully experience why this area is called the ‘Golden Coast’; sun-soaked golden leaves as far as the eye can see.”
Pierre-Henri’s passion for respecting the earth and honoring the tradition and history of Burgundy is evident in his farming practices. Though practicing for years, Domaine Rougeot officially became certified organic in 2020 and biodynamics is next on the docket for them. They are hoping to be certified biodynamic by 2024. Here the vineyard takes precedent and the high quality wine follows. Domaine Rougeot hand-harvests all of their vineyards, uses only native yeasts and does not add any additional SO2 to their wines. They are as clean as it gets! As we enter the most glutinous of seasons, think of his wines as a healthy indulgence that you can enjoy guilt-free.
The Lineup
2018 Domaine Rougeot Bourgogne Aligoté ‘Les Plumes’ Sans Sulfite Ajouté $33
2018 Domaine Rougeot ‘Clos des 6 Ouvrées’ Bourgogne Blanc $38
2018 Domaine Rougeot Meursault ‘Sous la Velle’ $85
2018 Domaine Rougeot Meursault-Charmes Premier Cru $125
1999 Domaine Rougeot Meursault ‘Charmes’ Premier Cru $150
2020 Domaine Rougeot Bourgogne Passetoutgrain ‘Sans Sulfite’ $38
2018 Domaine Rougeot Bourgogne Rouge ‘Les Vaux’ $45
2017 Domaine Rougeot Volnay-Santenots Premier Cru $125
Note: If you’re looking for a crowd pleasing Pinot Noir, look no further than Les Vaux. Les Vaux is a single-vineyard plot of Bourgogne Pinot Noir located in Meursault close to the town center. These Pinot Noir vines grown in clay-limestone soils range from 40-70 years old. Like all of the Pinot at Domaine Rougeot, the fruit is vinified whole cluster with no added SO2. Les Vaux has the classic structure and savory flavor of the Côte-d’Or with bright fruit from the whole cluster fermentation. Hints of plum skins, red cherry, sweet violet and limestone minerality. This wine ages in oak barrels for 8-10 months on the fine lees. The tannins are smooth and approachable in their youth.
If you are just dipping your toes into the world of French wine, this is a great place to start. Pinot Noir is the leading red grape of Burgundy and this particular cuvee is fresh, vibrant, and approachable. Chefs have deemed the grape as “the most food friendly wine” as it is a wine that is compatible with foods from every home kitchen. As we enter the holiday season, let this be your go-to bottle to share with family and friends.
