Domaine Romanée Conti - Richebourg

Unusually for Burgundy the wines are matured entirely in new French oak barrels, for between sixteen and twenty months. It is undoubtedly this oak influence that lends them their depth and hugely long-lived ageing potential Multilayered and full flavoured with huge depth and power, and yet the beguiling ethereal delicacy of Burgundy. Truly sublime.

In many ways, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, or just DRC, is the greatest wine estate on earth producing some of Burgundy’s greatest (and most expensive) wines.

"Domaine de la Romanée-Conti – the most hallowed name in Burgundian wine, and quite possibly the entire vinous world; a name that is implicitly regal, indisputably coveted and effortlessly content in its position of unimpeachable noblesse. DRC. Its acronym alone suffices to command the attention of everyone who aspires to enter the realm of wine Valhalla.” Sotheby’s New York

The history revolves around the ownership of the eponymous vineyard. Called La Romanée, for reasons unknown, it was the subject of a bidding war between Madame Pompadour, the mistress of Louis XV, and her bitter rival, the Prince of Conti. He won, and added his name in victory. Of course the Revolution soon put paid to all that. Ownership has passed down through one or two families and multiple generations since then and the Domaine is now run by Aubert de Villaine and Henri-Frederic Roch.

Making wines almost exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards, including the wholly owned monopole parcels of La Tâche and La Romanée-Conti itself (from which the estate takes its name), the wines of DRC offer another dimension to Burgundy.

“I am reminded of my university studies in music. There are some compositions that are so profoundly moving because they only point out the futility in trying to truly understand them. Some things remain beyond the full grasp of the human intellect. Romanée-Conti is the vinous equivalent.” Antonio Gallioni

Unusually for Burgundy the wines are matured entirely in new French oak barrels, for between sixteen and twenty months. It is undoubtedly this oak influence that lends them their depth and hugely long-lived ageing potential Multilayered and full flavoured with huge depth and power, and yet the beguiling ethereal delicacy of Burgundy. Truly sublime.

The French Wine region of Burgundy (aka “Bourgogne”) may be small in size, but its influence is huge in the world of vino. The complexity of Burgundy can cast fear into the heart of even a seasoned wine pro, but fear not – the region need only be as complicated as you want it to be. Yes, it is home to some of the most expensive wines in the known universe, but there are also tasty and affordable wines.

Main grapes:

Pinot Noir originated in Burgundy and these vines cover 34% of the region, accounting for 29% of overall wine production. The red grape does extremely well in limestone and clay soil, which helps create their complexity. Pinot Noir wines from Burgundy range in colour from cherry to brick, are light in body, and typically have red fruit and spicy flavours. Gamay is a red grape also grown in Burgundy, but only makes up 10% of the vines.

Chardonnay is the primary grape for white wines in Burgundy, making up 48% of the vines and 68% of production. Chardonnay appreciates Burgundy’s marl soil, which gives it delicate floral, fruit, and mineral aromas and full-bodied flavours. Aligoté is the second white grape, accounting for 6% grown. {Read more about the ancient Aligoté grape in Burgundy.}

The region does produce a sparkling wine called Crémant de Bourgogne. It can be made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Aligoté, Gamay, Sacy, and Melon. Varieties include blanc, blanc de blancs, blanc de noirs, and rosé.