Domaine De La Romanée-Conti - DRC Wine

"The 2019 Romanée-Conti Grand Cru is a wine that brought tears to my eyes.”
- RobertParker.com

“Burgundy doesn't get any better than this."
- Allen Meadows for BurgHound (01/2021)

When thinking of the most exclusive and prestigious wine estates in the world, there’s one name that instantly comes to mind – Domaine de la Romanée Conti. This legendary estate, often referred to as DRC, by fans, and “The Domaine” by the owners, has earned its place as one of the most prestigious and sought-after wine producers globally. We will explore the rich history, exceptional terroir, and exquisite wines that make Domaine de la Romanée-Conti an iconic name in the world of fine wines.

A History of Prestige & Intrigue

The roots of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti date back to the 13th century when it was founded by monks from the Saint-Vivant de Vergy monastery. Over the centuries, the estate changed hands several times, witnessing the ebb and flow of history.

The legacy of “The Domaine” is deeply intertwined with the fascinating history of its flagship vineyard, Romanée-Conti. In 1600 the vineyard was placed into the care of the Croonembourge family and 30 years later it adopted the Romanée name. The Croonembourges were responsible for immensely expanding the land, including purchasing the La Tâche appellation now known as one of the estates' most sought-after wines. A century later, in 1760, “Conti” was added to the Domaine’s name, reflecting its ownership by Louis François, the Prince of Conti. A curious twist of history saw the somewhat greedy Prince hoard the vineyard's precious wines, refusing to share them at his lavish parties nor with his closest friends and family.

In 1869, Jacques-Marie Duvault-Blochet acquired the estate, leading to the establishment of the Société-Civile du Domaine de la Romanée-Conti to navigate Napoleonic inheritance laws. Today, DRC is owned by the de Villaine and Leroy families, with Bertrand de Villaine overseeing the estate since Aubert de Villaine stepped down from his position of 48 years as co-director, revealing that he assumed an advisory position at the estate as of January 1, 2022. The co-direction of the estate was taken over by Perrine Fenal, who succeeded Henry-Frédéric Roch in 2018, and Aubert's nephew, Bertrand de Villaine, a member of the domaine since 2008.

Perrine Fenal is the daughter of the well-known landowner Lalou Bize-Leroy, who is co-owner of Romanée-Conti and was its managing director from 1974 to 1992. When Perrine isn’t making her way down to the domaine in Vosne, she resides in beautiful Geneva, Switzerland with her family. She may not have established a prominent wine persona yet, besides co-directing the most prestigious estate in the world, however, she has been described as a strong character with a great sense of smell and an accomplished writer.

Perfection at a Cost

The allure of DRC wines has also come with its challenges, as they are one of the most frequently counterfeited bottles in the world. The Domaine has weathered criminal plots and high-profile imitations, notably the case of Rudy Kurniawan, a fraudster known as "Dr. Conti." Despite these challenges, DRC remains a symbol of prestige and quality and though a label may be copiable, the essence of flavor and aroma of these wines are not.

The Essence – The Terroir

One cannot discuss Domaine de la Romanée-Conti without delving into its exceptional terroir. The estate spans 28 hectares (69 acres) of Grand Cru vineyard and is home to some of the most coveted vineyards in the world. The jewel in its crown is the Romanée-Conti Grand Cru, a mere 1.8 hectares of Pinot Noir vines that produce some of the rarest and most expensive wines globally.

Referred to as the Grand Cru Zone by Aubert de Villaine, it enjoys a "perfect eco-system" conducive to fine wine production. Elements such as drainage, pedology, soil depth, microbiological activity, and air movement collectively contribute to what de Villaine describes as the Burgundy miracle. Additional factors in the vineyard include high-density plantings, an average vine age of around 40 years, plowing, low yields, the utilization of compost, and unique plant material largely propagated through a massal selection from La Romanée-Conti itself, where the vines remained ungrafted until 1945.

The vineyards are situated on the renowned Côte de Nuits, where the limestone-rich soils contribute to the wines' finesse, complexity, and aging potential. The region's cool climate and moderate rainfall create the ideal conditions for cultivating the delicate Pinot Noir grape, the sole grape variety used in the red wines. DRC's vineyards lie on a UNESCO World Heritage site, standing as a testament to their historical and cultural significance. Bertrand played a pivotal role in securing this prestigious recognition for the Domaine.

The Art of Winemaking

Inside the cellar, minimal intervention takes precedence. DRC employs whole bunch fermentation, with the percentage varying between 100 percent in excellent vintages like 1999 and 2005, and 50 percent in challenging ones such as 2004. Natural yeasts are used, tannin extraction is as gentle as possible, and all wines (except for the Corton) undergo aging in new oak. The aging process, typically lasting 18 to 24 months, further refines the wines, allowing them to develop the nuanced characteristics that define Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. After a single use, these barrels are sold at half price.

The vineyards are hand-tended, and harvesting is done manually, ensuring that only the finest grapes make their way into the winery. The estate's commitment to low yields further concentrates the flavors and aromas in the grapes, resulting in wines of unparalleled depth and complexity.

Global DRC Wine Icons

The portfolio of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti includes several exceptional wines, each a true masterpiece.

Romanée-Conti Grand Cru 

The crown jewel of DRC wine, the Romanée-Conti Grand Cru, is a wine that commands reverence. Produced from a minuscule plot in the heart of the Romanée-Conti vineyard, this Pinot Noir masterpiece is known for its ethereal complexity, silky texture, and harmonious blend of red fruit, floral, and earthy notes. A rare gem, the Romanée-Conti is the pinnacle of Burgundian winemaking.

La Tâche Grand Cru 

La Tâche is a symphony of elegance and power. With vines averaging 50 years of age, this Pinot Noir showcases a rich tapestry of flavor-intense dark fruit, spice, and a subtle minerality. The velvety texture and a seamless balance of tannins contribute to the wine's exceptional aging potential.

Richebourg Grand Cru 

A powerful and structured wine, Richebourg embodies the bold and robust side of Pinot Noir, showcasing dark fruit flavors and a firm tannic backbone.

The Romanée-St-Vivant Grand Cru 

With a blend of floral, fruity, and spicy notes, this Pinot Noir is both vibrant and sophisticated. The complexity and finesse make it a captivating choice for those who appreciate the subtleties of Burgundian wine.

Grands-Echézeaux Grand Cru

This Grand Cru from the heart of the Côte de Nuits offers a captivating interplay of red and black fruit flavors. The wine's structure and depth, coupled with velvety tannins, make it a compelling expression of the unique terroir it hails from.

Echézeaux Grand Cru 

This wine exhibits a perfect balance of fruit and spice, with a seductive aroma that evolves into a harmonious palate of red berries and subtle earthy notes.

While Domaine Romanée-Conti is internationally celebrated for its iconic red wines, the domaine also boasts a collection of white wines that embody the same dedication to excellence and precision winemaking.

Montrachet Grand Cru 

At the zenith of DRC's white wine portfolio is the Montrachet Grand Cru, a Chardonnay that rivals the finest whites in the world. Sourced from a tiny parcel within the revered Montrachet vineyard, this wine offers an unrivaled combination of opulence and precision. Expect a symphony of citrus, stone fruit, and mineral notes, with a creamy texture and a finish that lingers on the palate. Montrachet is a testament to DRC's mastery of both red and white winemaking.

Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 

Sourced from the prestigious Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru vineyard, this Chardonnay reflects the unique characteristics of its terroir with finesse. The inaugural vintage was 2019. The wine boasts a brilliant golden hue and unfolds a bouquet of citrus, orchard fruit, and subtle mineral undertones.

Everlasting Excellence

Domaine de la Romanée-Conti stands as a legendary shining example of the artistry and dedication of its winemakers and exceptional terroir. The combination of perfect soil, meticulous winemaking, and a commitment to quality has elevated “The Domaine” to icon status in the world of fine wines. While the wines may be scarce and elusive, their allure is undeniable, making Domaine de la Romanée-Conti an enduring symbol and gift of excellence in the realm of winemaking.

Written by: Arabella Maislinger