After a string of very good vintages, culminating in the exceptional 2020, in 2021 the Burgundy region was delivered the inevitable reminder that weather, pests or disease are only ever one season away from wreaking havoc. It was a particularly difficult growing season, with severe frosts meaning minuscule yields.

 

Experienced growers and winemakers really proved their value and the results are actually very good, however volumes are down as much as 90% in some appellations. In such a vintage, good value Burgundy - that most elusive of all wine treasures - becomes an even greater prize.

Sitting at an altitude of 400m on limestone and clay soils, on east to south facing slopes overlooking the village of Azê in the heart of the Maconnais, Domaine de Rochebin was established in 1921 by the Marillier family. Today, Mickaël Marillier runs the estate, with winemaker Laurent Chardigny guiding all viticulture and winemaking.

 

Laurent joined the estate in 2008, and immediately began implementing sustainability practices across all areas of the estate and winery. Under his own label, fruit from the Rochebin vineyard is treated with the lightest of touches, and, unlike the Rochebin wines, does not meet with any oak during the winemaking process. The resulting wines are very fresh, elegant, pure expressions of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Gamay.