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 domaine traces 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, formerly the private property of the Prince de Conti, had remained in the shadows until 1988. Henry Frédéric Roch, then just 26 years old, "fell hopelessly in love" with this unique terroir during his first visit in 1979. The acquisition of this jewel 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 symbolizing the spirit of devotion and service that animates the domaine.

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 having become co-manager in 2010, continues today to uphold 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 bringing 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 heritage, created in the 7th century by the monks of the Abbey of Bèze. Located at an altitude of 240 to 250 meters on a subsoil of Prémeaux limestone, this exceptional terroir of brown earth with silts and gravelly scree produces wines of remarkable complexity. The vines, approximately 85 years old, bear witness to an exceptional longevity that translates into an incomparable 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 a gravelly and stony terroir in its upper part, more clayey in the lower part, while retaining highly filtering soils. The domaine'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 historic heart of the domaine. The Clos Goillotte, a true gem of 0.55 hectares, forms a perfect square at the center 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 Clos des Corvées monopole in Nuits-Saint-Georges (5.21 hectares) represents one of the largest single-holding properties on the Côte. Delineated 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.

Vinifications of Domaine Prieuré Roch

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

The approach to vine cultivation is inspired by a deep philosophy in which the winegrower "does not impose, but guides". This French notion of "conduite de la vigne" means that it is less about controlling than about listening to and accompanying the vine as it is carried 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.

The harvest is carried out by hand with meticulous sorting, favoring the healthiest and most concentrated clusters. Vinification is conducted exclusively with whole bunches, a traditional Burgundian method that preserves the integrity of the fruit and promotes a delicate extraction of tannins. Pigeage is performed by foot in wooden vats, in keeping with ancestral techniques.

One of the most remarkable characteristics of the winemaking lies in the total absence of any addition of sulfites. Abandoned in 1991 during vinification and aging, then completely eliminated since 1995, sulfites give way to wines that are 100% pure fruit. This revolutionary approach yields wines of exceptional digestibility and an incomparable expression of terroir.

The aging takes place in oak barrels, often 100% new for the great cuvées, for approximately 18 months. The wines undergo neither filtration nor fining, thus preserving their authenticity and natural complexity. This natural winemaking produces wines that are relatively light in color 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, endowed with velvety and suave tannins. This 1.0136-hectare cuvée, 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 heritage.

Clos de Vougeot - A powerful, clean, and "square" wine, Cistercian in spirit. From a 0.6236-hectare plot located 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 sourced exclusively from the harvest of the finest millerandé clusters. Powerful and carnal, dense and structured, with a very long finish, it embodies the nobility of Nuits-Saint-Georges. This 5.21-hectare monopole cuvée, from ancient 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 Nuits. This 0.69-hectare plot, farmed organically for years and integrated into the domaine in 2009, adjoins the Clos des Corvées while distinguishing itself through its steep slope that grazes the rock.

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 remarkable freshness, particularly appreciated in years of extreme heat.

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, below 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 gem of 0.55 hectares in monopole, formerly the private vineyard of the Prince de Conti, forms a perfect square at the center 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 classic beauty of Vosne-Romanée endowed with a striking finesse. This 0.62-hectare plot, situated mid-slope below the Premier Cru Les Suchots, produces wines that elevate the typical character of Vosnes thanks to vines of approximately 45 years of age.

Vosne-Romanée Les Clous - A full-bodied and easy-drinking wine from a 0.56-hectare plot straddling two climat: "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 location sheltered by the Combe Lavaux ensures this wine's remarkable freshness even in warm years.

Ladoix Le Cloud Rouge - A generous and pleasurable wine that delights in its youth while offering lovely surprises with age. This 2.18-hectare plot, located at the foot of the Corton mountain, produces fresh and surprising wines that demonstrate the domaine's expertise even on less prestigious appellations.

Savigny Rouge Dessus les Gollardes - A plot situated above the village of Savigny-les-Beaune producing Pinots very much in the "Côte de Nuits" style despite its more southerly geographical location. This 1.15-hectare cuvée, taken over in 2018, offers generous wines of 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 - A Chardonnay vinified according to traditional Burgundian methods since 2021. These wines, previously vinified by maceration, have returned to their Côteaux Bourguignons appellation through a classical approach respectful of the grape variety.

Côteaux Bourguignons

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

Côteaux Bourguignons Gamay - A fruity and fresh expression of a Gamay that "pinotes" while delighting the palate. This cuvée demonstrates the domaine's ability to sublimate every grape variety through its approach to vine cultivation and its winemaking philosophy.

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

For over 10 years, Vins & Millésimes has been offering you the opportunity to buy the finest bottles of old vintages and grand crus online, in stock and with fast delivery ! Discover the bottles and magnums from Domaine Prieuré Roch available for purchase!