Domaine Michèle & Patrice Rion

Historical

This enterprise began as a small private holding belonging to Patrice Rion and his wife Michèle, established in 1990 and enlarged in 2000 when Patrice left Domaine Daniel Rion. In 2006 Patrice gained additional vineyards in Nuits-St- Georges: white vines in Les Terres Blanches, more Clos des Argillières and the monopoly of Clos St-Marc (formerly produced by Bouchard Père et Fils). Between 2006 and 2015 the Rions also had a double contract to farm the land and buy the grapes of a small domaine in Chambolle- Musigny including Les Amoureuses and Bonnes Mares.

In a seamless transition, Patrice and Michele’s son Maxime has steadily been taking over duties at the domaine. From 2022 Patrice Rion’s share of the family inheritance has been added to the domaine.

Viticulture & Vinification

The grapes are sorted on two tables de tri, one before destemming and the other after. The whole berries, along with 25% whole bunches in recent vintages, are conveyed to their stainless-steel vats for a cuvaison of about three weeks: seven days at 11-12°C, followed by two weeks fermentation and post-fermentation, not exceeding 32°C. There are two barrel cellars so that each vintage can be aged for 18 months without racking. Most wines now receive 50 per cent new wood.

Vineyards

I have always enjoyed the Domaine’s two original wines, the Bourgogne Rouge Les Bons Bâtons, just over the road from village Chambolle-Musigny vineyards on a slight gravel hump, and the Chambolle-Musigny Les Cras located in the upper part of the vineyard which is classified as village Chambolle. Nonetheless, despite the elevation and the very light soil, this produces a relatively dark, intense Chambolle which ages well.

It is fascinating how the Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru Clos St-Marc, which is almost surrounded by Clos des Argillières, differs from the latter in taste. It is a richer,plumper, more succulent wine, the vines’ roots seemingly enjoying a rich and varied topsoil before reaching the mother rock.

Red Wines

White Wines