Domaine Roulot - The hottest ticket in Meursault after Coche-Dury
“Roulot” has become a byword in terms of quality Meursault, up there with Coche-Dury and Comtes-Lafon and nowadays with prices to match and a constant queue of visitors at his door” ~William Kelley
In the realm of white Burgundy, where the golden essence of Chardonnay finds its purest form, Domaine Roulot stands out as a top-tier producer. Neal Martin has even dubbed them "The hottest ticket in Meursault after Coche-Dury." This renowned estate is known for crafting Chardonnays that exude purity and precision, striking a delicate balance between elegant restraint and richness. As with many of Burgundy's finest, their limited-production wines are subject to the laws of supply and demand, which inevitably leads to rising prices. So, when the opportunity arises to secure these exceptional wines at some of the world's best prices, seize them promptly, for they won't last long.
Single-Vineyard Mastery
Established in Meursault in 1820, Domaine Roulot's journey to prominence truly began when Guy Roulot propelled the family domaine to new heights. Together with his wife Geneviève Coche, they expanded the estate's holdings, nurturing prized parcels of land that would come to define their legacy. Their pioneering spirit led them to embrace single-vineyard bottlings, showcasing the unique character of each parcel. In doing so, they blazed a trail in Meursault that others would follow.
From Acting to Winemaking
The sudden passing of Guy Roulot in 1982 marked a turning point for the domaine. Over the following seven years, the baton passed through the hands of three different winemakers: Ted Lemon of Littorai, Franck Grux of Olivier Leflaive, and, finally, Jean-Marc Roulot. In 1989, Jean-Marc, abandoning his acting career in Paris, took up the mantle of the family domaine. Remarkably, he has managed to balance his winemaking duties with his acting pursuits. In 2015, Jean-Marc enlisted the talents of David Croix as his chief winemaker, a partnership that allowed Roulot to continue both his passions.
The Roulot Touch
Domaine Roulot produces exceptional Meursaults, wines that may take up to a decade to fully reveal their potential. Since 1999, their vineyards have been cultivated organically, with forays into biodynamics. The vines, some of which date back to Guy Roulot's major replanting efforts in the 1950s, bear testament to the domaine's commitment to quality. Among their prized holdings, the Les Perrieres vineyard, acquired in 1976 with vines planted in the 1940s, shines as the crown jewel.
Jean-Marc Roulot's winemaking ethos is one of finesse and precision. He favors early harvesting, preferring grapes two days too early rather than two days too late. His wines undergo an 18-month elevage and lees aging, resulting in a style marked by purity and elegance. In 2014, he initiated a "micro-negoce" project, sourcing fruit from other vineyards. Wines from his family vineyards are bottled under the Domaine Roulot label while wines from Roulot’s micro-negoce project are bottled under the Jean-Marc Roulot label.
Chardonnay Mastery
Roulot's Chardonnay symphonies are celebrated worldwide. They embody elegance and precision, tempered by depth and restraint. With their mineral-infused core, they harmonize beautifully with various culinary dishes. The scant quantities produced annually fuel fervent demand from French restaurants, domestic and international distributors, collectors, and connoisseurs worldwide. Therefore, if the opportunity arises to acquire these wines at some of the world's most accessible prices, don't hesitate to bring home as many bottles as your budget allows. Domaine Roulot's Chardonnays are a rare gift for the fortunate few who appreciate the transcendental beauty of Burgundian Chardonnay.
Written by: Craig Headding
