Domaine Michele et Patrice Rion

Patrice Rion and his wife Michèle began their own small domaine in 1990 while Patrice continued as winemaker at the family domaine. They enlarged in 2000 when Patrice left Domaine Daniel Rion and built his own winery and cellar. Patrice and Michele’s son Maxime joined the family business in 2005 after completing oenology studies in Dijon.

The domaine currently farms 15 acres focused in the Nuits Saint Georges and Chambolle-Musigny appellations, and works with growers in other 1er Cru vineyards in the Côte de Nuits. The approach to viticulture in all vineyards is rigorous with vines that are pruned short and bud selection kept very low. The vineyards are farmed without herbicide, preferring to plow and hoe as a way to control weeds.

Patrice and Maxime do not believe that the “maximum” is the “optimum,” particularly when it comes to extracting phenolics, tannins, and color. Instead, you will find wines that maintain the freshness and minerality of Burgundian Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Patrice is known for “very pure, harmonious wines, skilfully vinified,” according to Jasper Morris, MW.