Domaine Armelle & Bernard Rion

History & Heritage

Domaine Armelle et Bernard Rion has a rich history dating back to 1890, when Pierre Rion, a former sharecropper at Château de la Berchère in Nuits-Saint-Georges, acquired his first vineyards. His son, Louis Rion, significantly expanded the estate, which was later divided between his two sons. One of them, Marcel Rion, remained in Vosne-Romanée and eventually passed the domaine to his son, Bernard Rion. Today, Bernard, alongside his wife Armelle and their daughter Alice, represents the fifth generation of the Rion family to manage the estate. Alice, who studied viticulture and oenology, joined the domaine in 2006 and has been instrumental in winemaking since. The family’s deep-rooted passion and expertise have made Domaine Armelle et Bernard Rion a respected name in Burgundy.

Terroir & Vineyards

The domaine spans 8 hectares of vineyards across some of Burgundy’s most prestigious appellations, including Vosne-Romanée, Chambolle-Musigny, Nuits-Saint-Georges, and Meursault. The vineyards are cultivated using sustainable practices, with minimal use of pesticides, mechanical soil tillage, and naturally limited yields due to the advanced age of the vines. Key parcels include Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Murgers and Chambolle-Musigny Les Echezeaux, which produce grapes of exceptional quality. In 2010, the domaine expanded its holdings with the acquisition of a new parcel in Meursault Village "Sous la Velle", marking its first foray into producing grand white wines.

Winemaking Philosophy

Domaine Armelle et Bernard Rion is renowned for its traditional and meticulous winemaking approach. Fermentations are carried out at higher temperatures and last 2 to 3 weeks, allowing for optimal extraction of flavors and tannins. The wines are aged for 15 to 18 months in French oak barrels, with up to 50% new oak used to enhance complexity and structure. Alice Rion, under the guidance of her father Bernard, oversees the vinification process, ensuring that each wine reflects the unique character of its terroir. The domaine’s commitment to minimal intervention and sustainable viticulture ensures that the wines are both expressive and age-worthy.

Signature Wines & Awards

Domaine Armelle et Bernard Rion produces a range of elegant and structured wines that are highly regarded by critics and enthusiasts. Key offerings include:

Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Murgers: A powerful and complex red wine with notes of dark berries, spices, and earthy undertones.

Chambolle-Musigny Les Echezeaux: A refined and delicate wine with aromas of red fruits, rose petals, and a silky texture.

Bourgogne La Croix Blanche: A vibrant and approachable red wine, perfect for early drinking.

Meursault Village "Sous la Velle": A rich and expressive white wine, showcasing the domaine’s new venture into grand white Burgundies.

The wines consistently receive high scores, with the Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Murgers earning 89/100 and the Chambolle-Musigny Les Echezeaux scoring 88/100 from critics. These accolades highlight the domaine’s reputation for producing wines of exceptional quality and aging potential.