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 rooted in a prestigious family lineage, closely tied 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 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 utterly 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", with the term "prieuré" evoking a small monastery led by a prior, perfectly symbolising the spirit of devotion and service that drives 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 appointed co-manager in 2010, continues this tradition of excellence today 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 heritage, created in the 7th century by the monks of the abbey of Bèze. Situated at an altitude of 240 to 250 metres on a subsoil of Prémeaux limestone, this exceptional terroir of brown earth with gravelly silt and 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 steeped in 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 lower down, while retaining highly filtering soils. The domaine's plot is situated 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 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 its exposure, altitude, and soil composition.

The monopole of 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, the likely remnant of an ancient Roman road, this terroir produces wines of exceptional power and nobility.

Vinification at Domaine Prieuré Roch

The vinification philosophy of Domaine Prieuré Roch is founded on a natural and traditional approach that prioritises the pure expression of terroir. Since the domaine'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 cultivation of the vine is guided by a deep philosophy in which the winegrower "does not make, but conducts". This French notion of "conduite de la vigne" means that it is less a matter of dictating than of 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, favouring the healthiest and most concentrated clusters. Vinification takes place exclusively with whole bunches, a traditional Burgundian method that preserves the integrity of the fruit and encourages a delicate extraction of tannins. Pigeage is performed by foot in wooden vats, honouring ancestral techniques.

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

Ageing takes place in oak barrels, often 100% new for the grand cuvées, for approximately 18 months. The wines undergo neither filtration nor fining, thus preserving their authenticity and natural complexity. This natural vinification produces wines that are relatively pale in colour yet possess a 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, sourced 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 of Cistercian spirit. Sourced 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, contribute a remarkable complexity to this prestigious cuvée.

Premiers Crus

Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Clos des Corvées Monopole Vieilles Vignes - An exceptional wine from the exclusive harvest of the finest millerandée clusters. Powerful and fleshy, dense and structured, with a very long finish, it embodies the nobility of Nuits-Saint-Georges. This 5.21-hectare monopole cuvée, sourced 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 fleshy beauty of Nuits. This 0.69-hectare plot, cultivated organically for many years and integrated into the domaine in 2009, adjoins the Clos des Corvées while distinguishing itself by 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 greatest Gevreys 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 its vintages. This 1.02-hectare plot, planted approximately 50 years ago, is situated 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 jewel of 0.55 hectares in 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 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 through vines approximately 45 years old.

Vosne-Romanée Les Clous - A fleshy and easy-drinking wine from a 0.56-hectare plot straddling two lieux-dits: "La Colombière" and "Le Pré de la Folie". The 25-year-old vines, part of which has recently been rehabilitated, yield 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 position sheltered by the Combe Lavaux ensures this wine its remarkable freshness even during warm years.

Ladoix Le Cloud Rouge - A generous and moreish wine that delights in its youth while offering beautiful surprises with age. This 2.18-hectare plot, situated at the foot of the Corton mountain, produces fresh and surprising wines that demonstrate the domaine's expertise even across 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 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, bearing the signature of Prieuré Roch. This 0.958-hectare plot, planted in 2005, benefits from the same vinification philosophy as the reds, producing a white wine of remarkable purity.

Côteaux Bourguignons Blanc - Chardonnay vinified according to traditional Burgundian methods since 2021. These wines, previously vinified by maceration, have regained their Côteaux Bourguignons appellation through a classic approach respectful of the grape variety.

Côteaux Bourguignons

Côteaux Bourguignons Rouge - The fruit and freshness of a "glou-glou" that cheers the palate. These wines from 30-year-old vines demonstrate that even across the most modest appellations, the spirit of the domaine's vinification elevates the character of the grape variety.

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

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