The Roty family of Domaine Joseph Roty has been a leader in Burgundy's wine industry since 1710, known for their stellar pinot noirs and reclusive nature. For many years, journalists could only speculate on the family's land holdings and were not privvy to pre-release tastings, estate visits, or interviews. As such, the myth around Domaine Joseph Roty grew, and so did the public's infatuation with its wines.
The domaine is one of Gevrey-Chambertin's most respected estates, with pre-grafted vines that date back to the 1880s, created to protect against the dangerous phylloxera out break of the time. Though the family has stuck to traditional winemaking styles, Joseph Roty's introduction in 2008 as head of the estate brought upon a new era. He brought in some modern technology, but has strayed away from trends and fads commonly adopted by his peers, standing out as a star in the sea of Burgundy winemaking. Now more than ever, the "Roty style" is cherished by Burgundy lovers, even if some journalists are averse to the family's antics.
Revered critic, Clive Coates, had a perfect description of the family, stating:
“Both he and the rest of his family: madame, sons Philippe and Pierre-Jean seem to have an almost paranoiac distrust of outsiders, the local bureaucracy, and other people in general. They do not consort with their neighbours, play no part in Gevrey-Chambertin promotional activities, and are closed to almost all journalists, including myself."
