Domaine Rapet Père et Fils: Persevering Through Time Since 1765
Domaine Rapet Père et Fils is a historic Burgundy wine estate located in the village of Pernand-Vergelesses. The Rapet family's winemaking legacy dates back to 1765, evidenced by a tastevin engraved with the family name from that era. This long heritage shows their deep dedication to winemaking.
The Rapet family has managed the estate through generations, Vincent arrived at the estate in 1985 with his wife Sylvette and has since maintained traditional methods while evolving certain techniques. His meticulous work in the vineyards ensures beautiful fruit that becomes precise wine.
Since 2021, with the arrival of Vincent's son Robin, the estate has increasingly moved towards organic viticulture, aiming for certification. The estate is certified High Environmental Value, reflecting their commitment to sustainable farming practices.
Vineyard Practices:
The estate covers 21.75 hectares of vineyards across Pernand-Vergelesses, Savigny-les-Beaune, Aloxe-Corton, and Beaune. They employ sustainable practices to minimize treatments and ensure the health of the vines.
Key practices include:
- Regular soil aeration and plowing.
- Careful control of diseases and insects based on climatic conditions enables the use of minimal treatments.
- Each vine receives meticulous attention, from disbudding and tying to leaf-stripping for maximum sunlight absorption. These practices ensure the grapes benefit fully from the sun's rays, leading to high-quality fruit.
The Winemaking Process:
White Wines: The ripe Chardonnay grapes are harvested in small crates to preserve their quality. They are pressed in a pneumatic press for three hours, then settled for 24 hours at low temperatures. Fermentation occurs in barrels, with 30% new oak, followed by ageing on lees with regular stirring for about twelve months.
Red Wines: The Pinot Noir grapes are sorted on a sorting table and then ferment for 15 days with regular punch-downs. After pressing, the wine ages in barrels, with 20% new oak. The winery's modern equipment ensures minimal handling of the grapes and wine, preserving their quality.
Wines
Grand Crus: Corton-Charlemagne, Corton Pougets (red), and Corton Grand Cru (red).
1er Crus: A selection from Pernand-Vergelesses, Savigny-les-Beaune, and Beaune.
Village Wines: From Aloxe-Corton, Savigny-lès-Beaune, and Pernand-Vergelesses.
Bourgogne Aligoté: A unique offering from a 1-hectare plot of Aligoté vines.
Domaine Rapet Père et Fils is celebrated for its precise and balanced wines, which are true mirrors of their terroirs. The estate's commitment to quality and tradition ensures that each bottle reflects the rich heritage and meticulous craftsmanship of the Rapet family.