Bourgogne Roncevie 2023 Domaine Arlaud

The Bourgogne Roncevie 2023 from Domaine Arlaud is the entry point into the range of a domaine built on four Grand Crus and several emblematic premier crus of Côte de Nuits. As with conscientious producers, this entry wine reveals something true: behind the Bourgogne appellation lies a well-kept secret. These five hectares of Roncevie were once classified as Gevrey-Chambertin village. An administrative boundary shift in the last century relegated this parcel outside the village appellation, yet its terroir and character never changed at all. For discerning collectors, this anomaly is precisely what makes it rare value: access to the soul of Gevrey-Chambertin at a price that doesn't yet reflect its pedigree.

Terroir and vineyard

The Roncevie parcel sits at the northern edge of Gevrey-Chambertin's vineyard boundary, on argilo-calcareous soils typical of Côte de Nuits, in direct continuity with the village appellation's vines. This exact proximity to Gevrey-Chambertin gives Roncevie its distinctive character: a structure, depth and minerality that far exceed what one typically expects from a regional Bourgogne. The vines are farmed in certified organic and biodynamic agriculture since 2014, with horse ploughing that preserves soil structure and life. Harvesting is by hand, carefully sorted. Winemaking is by gravity, with varying proportions of whole-bunch grapes depending on the vintage, fermentation with indigenous yeasts, and ageing in oak barrels with measured new wood, followed by bottling without fining or filtration.

Tasting profile

The colour is a bright ruby with violet reflections, lively and luminous. The nose is direct, expressive and immediately appealing: aromas of fresh cherry, raspberry and crisp red berries appear naturally and spontaneously, accompanied by a subtle floral note of violet and a discreet spicy note that reveals the Nuits terroir. On the palate, the wine is supple and fruity with natural tension: the tannins are fine and well-integrated, the fresh acidity is well-balanced and brings lift and definition, and the elegant substance unfolds with frankness and honesty that directly evokes a well-made Gevrey-Chambertin village. The finish is clean, fruity and subtly graphitic, with that mineral return characteristic of Côte de Nuits vines that immediately distinguishes this Bourgogne from its lowland peers. A wine of immediate pleasure and true character, accessible now and capable of fine development over three to five years.

The domaine

Domaine Arlaud's origins trace to World War II, when Ardèchois Joseph Arlaud met and married Renée Amiot, a Burgundian whose family owned vines. In 1982, their son Hervé took over and developed estate bottling. The third generation, Bertille, Cyprien and Romain, now run the operation with a steady conviction: healthy, high-quality grapes are enough to pursue excellence. Cyprien Arlaud joined in 1997 and has vinified since 2004, supported in the vineyard by his sister who established a horse-ploughing business. The 15-hectare vineyard, certified organic since 2004 and biodynamic since 2009, comprises beautiful terroirs across 19 appellations, from Bourgogne to the finest Grand Crus of Côte de Nuits.

Food pairing

This Bourgogne Roncevie pairs beautifully with roasted farmyard poultry with herbs, rabbit in mustard sauce, fresh pasta with wild mushrooms, jambon persillé bourguignon or soft cheeses such as young Époisses or Brie de Meaux. Served between 14 and 16 °C, lightly cool, it will reveal all the fruity frankness and natural minerality of a Bourgogne that is generic only in name.