Patrice Rion

Patrice’s reputation was launched in the early 1980's when he vastly increased the presence of his family domaine – Daniel Rion – on the international market. Research and innovation, both in winemaking and farming, gave him a reputation as a precise practitioner and innovator.

The domaine currently farms 6 ha. 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 his son Maxime who now heads the winemaking, 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, that are skillfully vinified,” according to Jasper Morris, MW.

Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Charmes

This Climate is situated just before the fault which leads down to the Clos Vougeot. Shallow, well-drained soil formed by a prehistoric river. Finesse and depth. Elegant tannins.
Chambolle-Musigny Les Cras

35 year-old vines, situated halfway up the hill and facing full east. Shallow clay soil that contains a significant amount of crushed limestone. Chewy. White pepper. Minerality.
Chambolle-Musigny Vieilles Vignes

Two parcels combine to produce this wine. The first is at the bottom of the slope on fairly deep clay soil; the second at the top of the hill on mostly limestone soil. Redcurrant. Cocoa.
Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru Clos des Argillières

From the top of the slope opposite the domaine, the vines are in poor brown soil on base of pink Premeaux limestone. 50 year-old vines. Blackberry, wild juniper. Minerality.
Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru Clos Saint Marc

Clos St. Marc is opposite the domaine on the lower part of the slope. 60 year-old vines. Deep brown soil on white and yellow marl. Wild cherry and warm earth. Monopole.
Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru Les Terres Blanches

Grown on the slope above Nuits-St-Georges 1er Cru red parcels, in a pocket of white sandy, oolitic soil with an abundance of limestone. Citrus. Floral. Proper reduction.
Nuits Saint Georges Vieilles Vignes

45 year-old vines grown on brown clay and limestone. Typical Nuits nose of small red fruits such as sour cherries and other pitted fruits. Eucalyptus notes add a certain freshness.
Bourgogne Chardonnay

30 year-old vines grown on the Hautes Cote de Beaune. White flowers, lilies and ferns, which evolve into notes of hazelnut. Its clear acidity gives it a tension. Long, driven.
Côte de Nuits Villages Vieilles Vignes

1er Cru adjacent in the village of Comblanchien, the vines are grown in limey, sandy soil with lots of small stones. Raspberries and sour cherries. Supple with round tannins.