Location and History
Domaine Jean-Charles Rion is located in Prémeaux-Prissey, a village in the heart of Burgundy, France. The estate was officially founded in 1995 with just 1 hectare of vines in the Côte de Nuits Villages appellation. It has since grown to nearly 9.5 hectares, covering prestigious appellations across the Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, and Hautes Côtes de Nuits.
Jean-Charles Rion represents the fifth generation of winemakers in the Rion family. He is the son of Olivier Rion and grandson of Daniel Rion, who began his own winemaking journey in 1955. Daniel expanded the family holdings significantly and passed the domaine to his sons: Patrice, Christophe, and Olivier, upon retiring in 1995.
Ownership and Philosophy
Jean-Charles took over the reins of his own domaine after gaining hands-on experience at the family estate, Domaine Daniel Rion et Fils, between 2008 and 2010. He studied viticulture and oenology at the Lycée Viticole de Beaune and earned a degree in vine and wine sciences from the Institut Jules Guyot in Dijon.
His approach is rooted in traditional viticulture with a focus on sustainable practices. The domaine follows a reasoned agriculture model, minimizing chemical inputs and adapting to yearly climate conditions. Jean-Charles is deeply involved in every stage of production, from vineyard care to winemaking.
Vineyard Holdings
The domaine cultivates nearly 6 hectares of vines, all from family-owned plots. There is no négociant activity, only estate-grown grapes are used. The vineyards are spread across several appellations, including:
- Côte de Nuits Villages
- Nuits St Georges, Vosne-Romanee and Chambolle Musigny both village and 1er crus
- Hautes Côtes de Nuits
- Côte de Beaune
Winemaking Style
Jean-Charles emphasizes quality over quantity, with low yields and manual harvesting. Grapes are carefully sorted to retain only the healthiest berries. Fermentation takes place in open stainless steel tanks with controlled temperatures, and maceration lasts between 15 to 21 days, depending on the vintage and appellation.
The wines are aged for 12 to 18 months in oak barrels, including both red wines and the unique Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru white “Les Terres Blanches”, made from Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc. The ageing process is designed to enhance complexity while preserving the character of each terroir.
Wine Characteristics
The wines of Domaine Jean-Charles Rion are known for their authentic expression of Burgundy terroirs. They tend to be elegant and structured, with a balance of fruit and finesse. The domaine avoids over-extraction and heavy oak influence, aiming instead for purity and harmony.
