In the area of Moret-Saint-Denis, which is home to many coveted domaines such as Dujac and Ponsot, Rignier Michelot has been making a splash in recent years. They were selected as "Nouveau domaine et Domaine a suivre" (first featured and notable producer), one of only five producers in Burgundy, in the 2007 edition of France's leading wine evaluation magazine, "Old Classman". With a track record of being introduced, it is attracting attention as a producer that will be responsible for the future of Moret Saint-Denis.
Rignier Michelot, based in Moret-Saint-Denis, is a small family-run domaine. The current head of the family is Virgil Linier, the third generation. His grandfather started a grape farm from the 1960s to the 1980s, and while working as a grape farmer in the 1980s, he began making wine, including some from the domaine.
In 1988, he learned about viticulture under his second-generation father, and took over the domaine in 2000. The fields we own are approximately 12.5ha in 15 appellations. Focusing on prime plots in Moret-Saint-Denis, including the Grand Crus of Clos de la Roche and Clos Saint-Denis, we also own fields in Gevrey-Chambertin, Chambolle-Musigny, etc. .
Originally, Mr. Virgil had a close relationship with Robert Groffier and David Duvin, and was inspired by them as they exchanged opinions on improving quality. Among them, Mr. Alex Says, who is in charge of brewing at Domaine Dujac, is known as one who recognizes his ability.
The reason why Lignier Michelot attracted attention was in the 2007 edition of France's famous and dry magazine ``Old Classman'', which selected ``Nouveau domaine et Domaine'', one of only five wineries in Burgundy. It was introduced as ``a suivre'' (first published and notable producer).
Furthermore, in the 2009 edition of the same magazine, he received a one-star rating, along with Dujac and Frédéric Magnin. In addition, it was promoted to 3 stars in the 2011 edition of the famous French wine magazine "Hachette Wine Guide", and is attracting attention as a domaine that will be responsible for the future of Moret Saint-Denis.
Burgundy wine full of elegance that brings out the original charm of Pinot Noir
When it comes to winemaking, Rignier Michelot focuses on careful field work in order to harvest grapes that are fully ripe down to the stems. Regarding grape cultivation, we have introduced Rutte Raisonné. Partly organic farming is used. What is noteworthy is the thorough selection method. After the grapes are hand-harvested, they are sorted in two stages. In the first stage, poor quality grapes are removed, and in the second stage, ripe bunches are carefully selected for whole bunch fermentation.
There is a reason why we carry out such careful fruit selection, and since 2006, like Dujac and DRC, we have actively introduced whole bunch fermentation, which allows us to produce higher quality, more ripe grapes. Because it is necessary. Approximately 50% of the harvested grapes undergo whole bunch fermentation, with 100% whole bunch fermentation in Grand Crus. Regarding brewing, we perform a minimum amount of pigage while checking the fermentation temperature and flavor as appropriate to avoid over-extraction.
Rignier Michelot wines are carefully crafted in this way, with a style full of elegance that brings out the beauty of the pure fruit flavors of Pinot Noir. Mr. Virgil believes that the essence of Pinot Noir lies in its beauty and finesse, and is constantly searching for ways to bring out its charm to the fullest.
Originally, until my father's generation, Rignier-Michelot's wines were produced with strong extraction and long-term aging with firm tannins, but the style has changed significantly since Mr. Virgil's generation. Based on the policy of ``I want to maximize the natural power of grapes rather than brewing techniques,'' we create wines in a style that can be enjoyed from an early stage.
