Prieuré Roch

History of Domaine Prieuré Roch

The history of Domaine Prieuré Roch begins in 1988 with the vision of Henry Frédéric Roch, grandson of Henry Leroy, the legendary founder of the celebrated Maison Leroy. This creation is part of a prestigious family lineage, closely linked to the history of the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, of which Henry Frédéric Roch became co-manager in 1992 alongside Aubert de Villaine.

The genesis of the estate dates back to the acquisition of the mythical Clos Goillotte, located at the heart of the village of Vosne-Romanée. This exceptional 0.55-hectare plot, a former private property of the Prince de Conti, had remained in the shadows until 1988. Henry Frédéric Roch, then only 26 years old, "fell desperately in love" with this unique terroir during his first visit in 1979. The acquisition of this gem marks the starting point of an exceptional viticultural adventure.

The choice of the name "Prieuré Roch" reflects the humility of the founder, who felt that "Domaine Roch" implied too much personal importance. The inspiration came from a case of Bordeaux bearing the name "Château Prieuré-Lychine", the term "prieuré" evoking a small monastery led by a prior, perfectly symbolising the spirit of devotion and service that drives the estate.

Henry Frédéric Roch passed away prematurely in 2018 at the age of 56, leaving behind an exceptional viticultural legacy. Yannick Champ, trained by the master since 2002 and appointed co-manager in 2010, today perpetuates this tradition of excellence with the same passion and the same exacting standards.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Domaine Prieuré Roch

The vineyards of Domaine Prieuré Roch extend across exceptional terroirs, each contributing its own singularity to the palette of wines produced. The geological and climatic diversity of these plots constitutes a truly unique viticultural heritage in Burgundy.

The Clos de Bèze (1.0136 hectares) represents one of the oldest enclosed vineyards in the French wine landscape, created in the 7th century by the monks of the Abbey of Bèze. Located at an altitude of 240 to 250 metres on a subsoil of Prémeaux limestone, this exceptional terroir of brown earth with loam and gravelly scree produces wines of remarkable complexity. The vines, approximately 85 years old, bear witness to an exceptional longevity that translates into unparalleled concentration and depth.

The Clos de Vougeot (0.6236 hectares) is part of the Cistercian history of Burgundy. Created in 1100 by the monks of the Abbey of Cîteaux, this legendary vineyard benefits from gravelly and stony soils in its upper section, more clayey in the lower part, while retaining very well-draining soils. The estate's plot is located in the prestigious "royal terroir", with vines planted in three phases: 1929, 1949, and 1969.

The plots of Vosne-Romanée form the historical heart of the estate. The Clos Goillotte, a true jewel of 0.55 hectares, forms a perfect square at the centre of the village, in front of the ancient cellars of the Prince de Conti. Les Hautes-Maizières (0.62 hectares) and Les Suchots (1.02 hectares) complete this mosaic of exceptional terroirs, each expressing its unique personality according to exposure, altitude, and soil composition.

The monopole of the Clos des Corvées in Nuits-Saint-Georges (5.21 hectares) represents one of the largest single-block properties on the Côte. Delimited by the alignment of flat stones along the chemin des dalles, likely a remnant of an ancient Roman road, this terroir produces wines of exceptional power and nobility.

Winemaking at Domaine Prieuré Roch

The winemaking philosophy of Domaine Prieuré Roch is founded on a natural and traditional approach that favours the pure expression of terroir. Since the estate's creation in 1988, no synthetic products have been used either in the vineyard or in the cellar, reflecting an absolute commitment to organic and biodynamic farming.

The management of the vine is inspired by a profound philosophy in which the winegrower "does not do, he guides". This French notion of "conduite de la vigne" means that it is less about dictating than about listening to and accompanying the vine as it is shaped by its terroir through the seasons. The goal is not to create the wine, but to bring it into the world under the best possible conditions.

Harvesting is carried out by hand with meticulous sorting, favouring the healthiest and most concentrated bunches. Vinification takes place exclusively with whole clusters, a traditional Burgundian method that preserves the integrity of the fruit and promotes a gentle extraction of tannins. Pigeage is performed by foot in wooden vats, honouring ancestral techniques.

One of the most remarkable characteristics of the winemaking lies in the complete absence of any sulphite additions. Abandoned in 1991 during vinification and ageing, then completely eliminated since 1995, sulphites give way to 100% pure-fruit wines. This revolutionary approach yields wines of exceptional digestibility and an unparalleled expression of terroir.

Ageing takes place in oak barrels, often 100% new for the prestige cuvées, for approximately 18 months. The wines undergo neither filtration nor fining, thereby preserving their authenticity and natural complexity. This natural winemaking produces wines that are relatively light in colour but of fabulous aromatic intensity.

The Cuvées of Domaine Prieuré Roch

Grands Crus

Clos de Bèze - A mythical wine of extraordinary complexity, at once fresh and concentrated, with velvety and suave tannins. This cuvée of 1.0136 hectares, from vines approximately 85 years old, represents the very essence of this historic terroir created by monks in the 7th century. Acquiring this exceptional cuvée offers the opportunity to discover one of the oldest enclosed vineyards in the French wine landscape.

Clos de Vougeot - A powerful, precise and "square" wine, Cistercian in spirit. From a 0.6236-hectare plot situated in the "royal terroir", this wine expresses the nobility and depth of the terroir created by the monks of Cîteaux in 1100. The vines, planted between 1929 and 1969, bring remarkable complexity to this prestigious cuvée.

Premiers Crus

Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Clos des Corvées Monopole Vieilles Vignes - An exceptional wine produced exclusively from the finest millerandage bunches. Powerful and carnal, dense and structured, with a very long finish, it embodies the nobility of Nuits-Saint-Georges. This cuvée of 5.21 hectares as a monopole, from over-aged vines, represents one of the finest expressions of the Prémeaux terroir.

Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Clos des Argillières - A very warm and very rich wine endowed with extremely full and enveloping tannins, expressing the carnal beauty of the Nuits. This 0.69-hectare plot, farmed organically for years and incorporated into the estate in 2009, adjoins the Clos des Corvées while distinguishing itself by its steep slope that brushes against the bedrock.

Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Le Clos des Varoilles Monopole - A cuvée combining the power and elegance of the finest Gevrey wines with a unique freshness. This 6-hectare plot, taken over in 2020, constitutes the 5th largest monopole on the Côte. Protected by the Combe Lavaux, it yields wines of great freshness, particularly appreciated in years of heatwaves.

Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Suchots - The classic wine of Vosne-Romanée, supple and silky, consistent across vintages. This 1.02-hectare plot, planted approximately 50 years ago, is located on the gentle slope of the hillside, beneath Les Beaumonts and Aux Brûlées, offering a pure and balanced expression of the terroir.

Villages

Vosne-Romanée Clos Goillotte Monopole - A wine that some describe as "feminine" for its infinite roundness and exceptional delicacy. This jewel of 0.55 hectares as a monopole, a former private vineyard of the Prince de Conti, forms a perfect square at the heart of the village. Reserved for family consumption until 1988, this exceptional climat has only been accessible to enthusiasts since its acquisition by Henry Frédéric Roch.

Vosne-Romanée Hautes-Maizières - An expression of the classical beauty of Vosne-Romanée with a striking finesse. This 0.62-hectare plot, situated mid-slope beneath the Premier Cru Les Suchots, produces wines that elevate the typical character of the Vosnes thanks to vines approximately 45 years old.

Vosne-Romanée Les Clous - A fleshy and easy-drinking wine from a 0.56-hectare plot straddling two climats: "La Colombière" and "Le Pré de la Folie". The 25-year-old vines, part of which has recently been rehabilitated, produce a rare and sought-after cuvée.

Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Vieilles Vignes - An expression of the character and power of a Gevrey 1er Cru bearing the signature of Domaine Prieuré Roch. The monopole's sheltered position within the Combe Lavaux ensures the wine's remarkable freshness even in warm years.

Ladoix Le Cloud Rouge - A generous and appealing wine that delights in its youth while offering beautiful surprises with age. This 2.18-hectare plot, situated at the foot of the Corton hill, produces fresh and surprising wines that reflect the estate's expertise even in less prestigious appellations.

Savigny Rouge Dessus les Gollardes - A plot situated above the village of Savigny-les-Beaune producing Pinots that are very "Côte de Nuits" in character despite their more southerly geographical location. This 1.15-hectare cuvée, taken over in 2018, offers generous wines with an excellent quality-to-price ratio.

White Wines

Ladoix Le Cloud Blanc - A delicately fruity Chardonnay from Ladoix-Serrigny, signed by Prieuré Roch. This 0.958-hectare plot, planted in 2005, benefits from the same winemaking philosophy as the reds, producing a white of remarkable purity.

Côteaux Bourguignons Blanc - Chardonnay vinified according to traditional Burgundian methods since 2021. These wines, previously vinified by maceration, return to their Côteaux Bourguignons appellation through a classical approach that respects the grape variety.

Côteaux Bourguignons

Côteaux Bourguignons Rouge - The fruit and freshness of the "glouglou" that brightens the palate. These wines from 30-year-old vines demonstrate that even in the most modest appellations, the estate's winemaking spirit elevates the character of the grape variety.

Côteaux Bourguignons Gamay - A fruity and fresh expression of a Gamay that "pinotes" while brightening the palate. This cuvée demonstrates the estate's ability to elevate all grape varieties through its vine management and winemaking philosophy.

The legacy of Henry Frédéric Roch, perpetuated with passion by Yannick Champ and his team, ensures the continuity of this natural and respectful approach that has earned the estate its worldwide renown.