The vines are planted over granite and are a hundred years old. At five hundred metres above sea level, they are amongst the very highest in the region but most importantly, they are a world away from most in the area, allowing Romuald to be alone with nature. He has since acquired a further eight hectares of vines elsewhere in the region, and also farms a hectare in the Côte de Beaune’s Ladoix, from which he produces a sublime Pinot Noir.
Romuald’s winemaking is comparatively simple. He picks early in the morning, fills each tank with whole bunches and fastens the cap. After a fortnight of infusion the grapes are pressed slowly over several hours and the wine is moved to old barrels for a year of élevage.
Whilst his approach to farming might be radical, the wines are anything but. Vibrant, fragrant and nuanced, they are an exercise in purity and thrillingly unique.
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Gamay from old vines from Romuald’s parcels in both Brouilly and Côte de Brouilly. This was harvested earlier than usual, around the middle of September to avoid any further loss of grapes, producing a compact, elegant wine laden with brambly fruits and an intensely stony, mineral quality.
As good as it gets in these parts. One of our favourites.