Domaine Prieuré Roch 1er Cru Clos Variolles , Gevrey-Chambertin

Domaine Prieuré Roch was co-founded in 1988 by the late Henry-Frédéric Roch, former co-owner of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. The estate champions minimal-intervention, organic viticulture, working with old vines to capture absolute purity of place. Clos des Varoilles is a historic Premier Cru monopole site in Gevrey-Chambertin, positioned on sloped, limestone-rich soils directly adjacent to top Grand Cru sites.

Winemaking follows strict, unadulterated principles. Grapes undergo 100% whole-bunch fermentation with indigenous yeasts, avoiding added sulphur or artificial additives. Maturation occurs in old French oak barrels, letting the fruit and soil guide the wine's evolution without heavy wood influence. The wine undergoes no fining or filtration before bottling.

The nose opens with dark cherry, crushed blackberry, dried florals, and ground clove, underlaid by cool forest floor. On the palate, concentrated dark-fruit flavours meet fine, firm tannins and natural acidity. It delivers structure, earthy depth, and a long, savoury finish.